SAFC: Opening weekend brings familiar rivalries and fresh ambition
Cill na Martra's Jason McCarthy with possession against Éire Óg last year. Picture: Larry Cummins
The McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC starts this weekend with a full slate of opening group fixtures that promise intrigue across all three groups.
With every side starting from level ground, early momentum will be vital as clubs look to set the tone for the championship season ahead.
Group 1 opens tomorrow evening with two heavyweight clashes. Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh meet Kanturk in Ballyanly, a fixture that pits two sides with contrasting styles.
Expect Seán Ó Luasa to drive the Muskerry men, while Cork footballer Paul Walsh remains a towering presence for Kanturk. Both have realistic ambitions of progressing, and with Dohenys and Aghabullogue also in the group, there’s little margin for error.
Dohenys face Aghabullogue in Kilmichael tomorrow evening. Fionn Herlihy will lead the Doheny attack, while Aghabullogue — last year’s PIFC winners — will again look to Matthew Bradley, who offers scoring threat from play and placed balls.
Group 2 takes centre stage on Sunday evening, and it’s arguably the most balanced of the three. Cill na Martra host Carbery Rangers in Dunmanway, while O’Donovan Rossa meet Newmarket in Macroom.
Cill na Martra’s consistency at this grade in recent seasons has made them perennial contenders, anchored by the influence of Dano Dineen and Seán Furey. They were beaten in last year’s final.
Carbery Rangers, with John O’Rourke's experience and Cian Daly marshalling defence, will be eager to reassert themselves after suffering Premier SFC demotion in 2025.
In Macroom, O’Donovan Rossa’s attacking flair will be tested by Newmarket’s disciplined defensive structure. Cork U20 footballer Frank Hurley is one of several emerging players in Skibb’s ranks, while Ryan O’Keeffe gives Newmarket a focal point up front.
With all four sides capable of beating each other on their day, this group could easily hinge on scoring difference come September.
Group 3 begins this evening in Ballincollig, where Bishopstown face Éire Óg. It’s a fascinating opener between two sides keen to go very deep into the championship.
Éire Óg, semi-finalists last year, will lean on Daniel Goulding’s experience and the energy of Colm O’Callaghan to navigate a tricky start, while Bishopstown’s younger panel has shown promise in recent months, led by Conor Dunne and Gary Holland.
The group also includes Clyda Rovers and Kilshannig, who played on Wednesday, with Kilshannig winning by two points.
Bishopstown v Éire Óg, Ballincollig, 7.15pm.
Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh v Kanturk, Ballyanly; Dohenys v Aghabullogue, Kilmichael, both 7pm.
Cill na Martra v Carbery Rangers, Dunmanway; O’Donovan Rossa v Newmarket, Macroom, both 7.15pm.
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