Premier SFC gets underway — holders St Finbarr’s begin defence as Knocknagree debut

It’s the start of a new McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC this weekend, with all teams beginning on an even keel.

St Finbarr’s enter as holders as they look to retain their crown.

There are plenty of subplots, none more compelling than the arrival of the new boys.

Knocknagree’s rise through the Cork football ranks has been one of the county’s most striking stories of the past decade, and on Saturday evening in Carrigadrohid (7pm) the club will finally take its place in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC for the very first time.

The Duhallow side open their campaign against Clonakilty — a formidable first assignment in what is widely regarded as the championship’s toughest group.

For goalkeeper Patrick Doyle, who has been part of the journey from its earliest stages, the significance of the moment is unmistakable. But equally clear is the ambition that still drives the group.

“Look, there’s been massive strides made over the last ten years or so,” he says. 

“It’s great for us as a group. The group has put in massive work to get to this place. We had a lot of close calls, nearly getting over the line, and it was great to actually get over the line. 

“But we’re still a very ambitious group. We know we’ve a huge test ahead of us against Clonakilty, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to.” 

Doyle’s own Knocknagree career began in 2013, the same year John Fintan Daly took charge. His first championship appearance came the following year against Kilbrin in Banteer, at a time when Knocknagree were still trying to establish themselves at Junior A level in Duhallow.

“We made our divisional final in 2014,” he recalls. 

“That was a big step at the time. From there on it just kind of kicked off. We had a lot of disappointments along the way too — you only tend to focus on the good days afterwards, but the disappointing ones stood to us as well.” 

Daly’s impact on the club has been transformative. His coaching, standards and long-term commitment have underpinned Knocknagree’s rise. 

“He’s got huge experience as a coach,” Doyle states. 

“He’s exceptionally professional in everything he does — nothing is done by half. If he’s involved in anything, you know it’s going to be done right. 

“He coached a lot of us underage, he saw players coming through and felt it was important to nurture them the right way. I don’t think he expected to be here this long himself, but he’s still going — and we’ll try hold onto him for another while if we can.” 

Last year’s SAFC win brought both joy and relief after the heartbreak of the previous season.

“There was definitely a sense of relief,” the Cork goalkeeper admits. 

“Having been so close, particularly the year before against Carrigaline, it was great last year that we drove on. Sometimes you get a disappointment and it’s hard to go again, but we used it as fuel to get back there and get over the line. 

“Our aim was to get to the top grade. We’re there now — but once you get up here, your aims change. You have to start looking forward again.” 

Now comes the real test. Knocknagree’s Group 3 is the toughest in the competition: Clonakilty, Ballincollig and Castlehaven. Saturday’s opener against Clonakilty is a daunting start.

“We’re under no illusions. Clonakilty have huge tradition. They’re always competitive. They were in a county final a few years ago. They’ve huge Cork experience. It’s going to be a huge battle. But if we can bring our best foot forward, we can be competitive. 

“Our only focus is Clonakilty. Whatever happens there, the next focus is Ballincollig, and so on.” Doyle ended. 

The holders St Finbarr’s get their defence of the Andy Scannell off the ground this evening when they face Carrigaline in Group 1. Mallow and Douglas do battle tomorrow.

In Group 2, Nemo Rangers will look to get off to a winning start tomorrow when they take on Newestown, while on Sunday, Valley Rovers and St Michael’s lock horns.

In Group 3, it’s simply mouthwatering. As mentioned above, Knocknagree go into battle with Clonakilty tomorrow and then on Sunday, Castlehaven face off with Ballincollig.

McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC fixtures 

This evening 

St Finbarr’s v Carrigaline, Ballinhassig, 7pm.

Tomorrow 

Mallow v Douglas, Grenagh; Nemo Rangers v Newcestown, Cloughduv, both 4pm; Knocknagree v Clonakilty, Carrigadrohid, 7pm.

Sunday 

Castlehaven v Ballincollig, Clonakilty; Valley Rovers v St Michael’s, Shanbally, both 7.15pm.