Knocknagree–Castlehaven clash tops McCarthy Insurance Group FL finals bill

The McCarthy Insurance Group County Football League finals take centre stage on Friday evening. 

There are five deciders down for decision, with silverware up for grabs before the championship.

In Division 1, Knocknagree and Castlehaven meet at Macroom (8pm) in a fixture that feels like a fitting finale to a competitive campaign. 

There is added intrigue too, the sides are also due to face each other in the last group game of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC, a championship pairing that gives Friday’s meeting an extra layer of relevance. 

Knocknagree’s rise through the ranks has been built on structure, intensity, and a ruthless streak in front of goal. They’ve carried that same edge into this year’s league, blending experience with youthful energy and showing the kind of defensive discipline that wins tight games.

Castlehaven, meanwhile, remain one of Cork football’s most seasoned outfits — a side that knows how to manage big occasions and squeeze every ounce from their attacking talent. 

Their route to the final has been steady rather than spectacular, but they’ve timed their form well with just one loss. 

With a championship clash looming between the teams, both management groups will be keen to lay down a marker without showing their full hand.

The Division 2 final at Ovens (7.30pm) brings together Uibh Laoire and Carrigaline.

Uibh Laoire have been one of the league’s most consistent sides. It has been a great rise from them in recent years and they will relish the chance to test themselves against a premier senior outfit.

Carrigaline, for their part, have rediscovered rhythm after suffering Division 1 demotion last year. Their forward line has begun to click led by the Coakley brothers, Niall and Brian. 

The Division 3, Division 4 and Division 6 finals also take place later on today. 

In Division 3, Kanturk and Bishopstown meet at Glantane (7.30pm) in a fixture that pits two sides with the same ambition in the SAFC this year. 

Kanturk have done very well this year in the league after dropping out of Division 2 in 2025. Cork footballer Paul Walsh should be available for this one. 

Bishopstown, meanwhile, are building something under former Cork boss Brian Cuthbert. The Town are young with pace in transition and a forward line capable of quick bursts of scores. 

The Division 4 decider sees Buttevant face Glanmire in Glenville (8pm), a pairing that reflects the depth of competition in the mid-tier. 

Buttevant’s route to the final has been marked by consistency, conceding few goals across the campaign under the guidance of Joey Hanlon.

Their physical presence around the middle third has been key. 

Glanmire, by contrast, several young players have stepped up to the mark, including Billy O'Mahony.

The sides met earlier in the league in what was a lively draw, and another close game looks likely. 

The Division 6 final brings together Kilmacabea and Aghinagh in Dunmanway (8pm), a fixture that should be close. 

Kilmacabea are led by former Cork player Damien Gore.

Elsewhere, two coveted pieces of silverware will be handed out this evening as the McCarthy Insurance Group Junior B and Junior C Football Confined Championships reach their conclusion. 

The Junior B final brings together Tracton and Clann na nGael in Páirc Uí Rinn (7.30pm), two sides who have travelled very different roads to reach the decider but arrive with equal conviction. 

In the Junior C decider, Grange and Abbey Rovers meet in Glanworth at 7.30pm after impressive campaigns that have energised their respective communities.