By the numbers: Shooting stats behind Cork football promotion push

Fri, 27 Mar, 2026 - 10:35

Jack McKay

With only the league final to come, Cork’s 2026 promotion dream has already been realised, and the Rebels are now well-poised ahead of the Munster championship start.

But, before attention turns to the provincial competition, it's worth examining what has brought Cork to this point.

The offensive output of key starters Steven Sherlock, Chris Óg Jones and Mark Cronin has been absolutely paramount. It’s been there for all to see this season, and with the additions of Dara Sheedy this year and Seán McDonnell last year, both have added immensely, but in different ways.

Steven Sherlock of Cork lines up a free kick during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Cork and Kildare at Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Cork’s issue for long enough has been the lack of potent scoring options. And, judging by the Leesiders’ conversion rates this year, that problem has been resolved.

Fittingly, Brian Hurley is the man to take the crown. He has been Cork’s most clinical forward and key off the bench this year.

Sherlock has carried a huge volume of shots and still maintained a 67.7% conversion rate, Dara Sheedy has been near-faultless with a 76.9% conversion rate, while Colm O’Callaghan has converted two thirds of his chances from midfield.

Seán McDonnell’s 45.8% conversion rate may not look all too impressive, but the fact he’s registered 24 attempts is a promising stat for Cork football, and he’s offered so much in possession too.

The average scores from play per game don’t quite offer as much value as the conversion rates. After all, that data needs a good sample size and Darragh Cashman’s 30 minutes are not sufficient, but he has the best scoring average from play per game for John Cleary’s side.

Of the players to have accumulated at least 70 minutes this season, Brian Hurley's 4.6 points per game from play is Cork's best, with Chris Óg Jones just behind on 4.1.

Conversion rate across seven league games:

81.8% Brian Hurley – Scored: 0-9 | Missed: 2 (1 placed)

76.9% Dara Sheedy – Scored: 0-10 | Missed: 3

75.8% Mark Cronin – Scored: 1-24 (0-7 placed) | Missed: 8 (2 placed)

68.8% Chris Óg Jones – Scored: 3-19 | Missed: 10

67.7% Steven Sherlock – Scored: 0-42 (0-19 placed) | Missed: 20 (3 placed)

66.7% Colm O'Callaghan – Scored: 2-8 | Missed: 5

66.7% Luke Fahy – Scored: 0-8 | Missed: 4

66.7% Paul Walsh – Scored: 0-4 | Missed: 2

45.8% Seán McDonnell – Scored: 0-11 | Missed: 13

0.0% Brian O'Driscoll – Scored: 0-0 | Missed: 6

Players with fewer than five shots attempted: