Muskerry GAA PRO Michael Dilworth predicts a competitive championship in both codes in Mid-Cork
Ballinora's Seán Lyons moves away from Jason O'Keeffe of Grenagh last year. Picture: Picture: Jim Coughlan
Muskerry GAA PRO Michael Dilworth believes both the Junior A hurling and football championships in Mid-Cork are set for one of their most competitive seasons in years, with rising standards and a cluster of ambitious clubs all contributing to a wide open landscape in 2026.
The Aghabullogue clubman is in his first season as the PRO of Muskerry GAA and has already made a significant impact on social media with Muskerry GAA’s brand growing with every passing day.
With regards to on the field matters, Dilworth notes that several of the division’s traditional strongholds are now fielding strong second teams such as Ballincollig and Éire Óg, who could cause problems for Ballinora in the MJK Oils Muskerry JAHC. They are going for six divisional titles on the bounce this year.
“Ballincollig and Ovens areas have been growing big time over the last number of years, and they’re fielding two and three teams,” he says.
“You’ll find those clubs are going to put out a serious product.
“Ballinora’s football success last year may take away from the hurling. It might take their eye off the ball, and somebody could slip inside them. We’re looking forward to a really exciting championship, and hopefully there’ll be a surprise along the way and keep it exciting for everybody.”
Ballinora’s consistency remains the benchmark. The fact that they have won five championship crowns on the trot is stunning.
“It’s remarkable to be talking about them like that,” Dilworth says.
“They’ve been so consistent for half a decade. They’ve won five championships in a row, and they’re a great team for a reason. They’re the best team in the division, and they’ve been knocking on the door to be promoted and win the county.
“They just haven’t got over that line yet. Fantastic club, fantastic work going on there. They’re going to be the favourites again, the team everybody wants to knock off the perch.
“There are many teams who will want to take them down. You have second teams out there — Ballincollig, Éire Óg, Inniscarra. You have Donoughmore’s first team. You have Aghabullogue’s second team. You have Blarney’s second team.
"All of them are exploding with talent and numbers. And you don’t rule out the likes of Uibh Laoire who’ve been plugging away and will fancy themselves.
“Grenagh are a sleeping giant. Maybe I’m leaving out Kilmichael and Dripsey, but any of those teams can knock on the door, and on their day they’ll fancy their chances against Ballinora.”
If the hurling championship looks competitive, the Ross Oil Muskerry JAFC may be even tighter. Donoughmore claimed the title in 2025 after a replay against Aghinagh before losing the county final to Kilmacabea.
This year’s competition features 12 teams across three groups — and fate has already delivered a headline fixture.
Remarkably, Aghinagh and Donoughmore have been drawn together in Group 1, where they will meet on the opening weekend.
“You couldn’t ask for a better start than Donoughmore versus Aghinagh — a replay of last year’s final as the first game on the list. It’s mouthwatering and it’ll set the tone for the championship.
"You’ve Ballincollig, Éire Óg, Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, Dripsey, Kilmurry, Naomh Abán — loads of really good teams. Kilmichael will be in the mix as well. There are plenty who’ll fancy their chances.
“The top two in each group will qualify, but nobody’s name is on the cup yet for 2026. We’ll wait and see who it’ll be.”
Group 1: Aghinagh, Donoughmore, Ballinora, Kilmurry.
Group 2: Ballincollig, Grenagh, Dripsey, Clondrohid.
Group 3: Éire Óg, Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, Kilmichael, Naomh Abán.
Group 1: Inniscarra, Grenagh, Ballinora, Uibh Laoire, Kilmichael, Aghabullogue.
Group 2: Ballincollig, Donoughmore, Dripsey, Éire Óg, Blarney.
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