Cork star Chris Óg Jones shows the way for Iveleary as they beat Glanmire in PIFC opener

Iveleary 4-16 (4-2-12) 

Glanmire 3-10 (3-3-4) 

After going so agonisingly close to winning the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC final in 2025, Iveleary will be hoping to go the extra mile to secure championship glory in 2026.

The Muskerry side got their championship campaign off to a winning start following a lively affair with Glanmire in Kilmurry on Friday evening.

Cork senior football sharpshooter Chris Óg Jones showcased glimpses of his quality and clinical finishing in front of goal, ending proceedings with a total of 3-4 to his name.

Although Glanmire showed great grit and determination to claw back an eight point deficit in the second half, Iveleary clicked into gear when it mattered most and secured a crucial and deserved opening day championship victory.

There are quite a few more hurdles to overcome before Iveleary can try to go one step further following their agonising defeat to Aghabullogue in the decider last year at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

But with the likes of Chris Óg Jones and Cathal Vaughan among a talented crop of players, Iveleary are well equipped to make the breakthrough into the Senior A ranks.

Both sides threatened with early goal opportunities, before Glanmire got the opening score of the game on 10 minutes as Tiernan Hourihan slotted over.

Iveleary settled into proceedings, with points from Sean O’Riordan and Sam Pickering helping them go into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead.

Glanmire, winners of the Cork IAFC grade in 2024 and quarter finalists at Premier Intermediate level last year, will be looking to make further progress this term. They got back on level terms midway through the opening half, when Harry Browne slotted home impeccably to the corner from the penalty spot.

Iveleary then edged back in front during a fruitful spell which saw Pickering land a lovely two pointer.

Glanmire reacted well and overall produced a solid showing in the opening half. Thanks to a fine two pointer by Shane O’Driscoll, they led 1-5 to 0-7 on 27 minutes.

But all of the good Glanmire work was undone, when Iveleary turned the ball over in first half stoppage time and Chris Óg Jones duly blasted the ball into the back of the net. As a result at the end the opening half, Iveleary who led 1-7 to the 1-5 of Glanmire.

Iveleary charged well into control in the second half, including with Sean O’Riordan finding the net with a neat finish.

Chris Óg Jones then scored his second goal and with eight minutes of normal time remaining, Iveleary led 3-10 to 2-8 with this contest seeming to be done and dusted.

Sensationally though like the flick of a switch, Glanmire were on level terms. They got quick fire goals from Jeremy Kingston and Brian Galvin, before a Harry Cogan two pointer to equalise left everyone shellshocked.

But Iveleary woke from their slumber and charged home with the finishing line in sight.

Ian Jones landed crucial pointed scores, before his brother Chris Óg chipped in once again on the scoring act, including with a second half stoppage time goal to complete his hat trick.

Next up for Iveleary is a championship meeting with Bantry Blues, when John McNulty’s side will look to build on this opening day victory and move ever closer to the PIFC knockout stages.

Although we are still only in July, but it appears even at this early stage it is going to take a very good team indeed to take down this Iveleary machine.

Scorers for Iveleary: C Óg Jones 3-4 (0-1f), I Jones 0-5 (1 2pt), S O’Riordan 1-1, S Pickering 0-4 (1 2pt), J Sweeney 0-2.

Glanmire: H Browne 1-1 (1-0 pen), J Kingston, B Galvin 1-0 each, C Hackett (1 2pt), S O’Driscoll (1 2pt), H Cogan (1 2pt) 0-2 each, D Murray, T Hourihan, D Molden 0-1 each.

Iveleary: J Creedon; C Galvin, D O’Donovan, D O’Riordan; K Manning, C O’Riordan, S O’Riordan; T Roberts, S O’Leary; A O’Donovan, C Vaughan, S Pickering; J Sweeney, I Jones, C Óg Jones.

Subs: B Cronin for A O’Donovan (10,inj), B O’Riordan for K Manning (45).

Glanmire: C O’Neill; C Hackett, B Murphy, D Kenneally; D Murray, C O’Donovan, S O’Driscoll; H Cogan, J Kingston; T Hourihan, D Molden, C Crowley; B Galvin, H Browne, H Jones.

Subs: R McSweeney for Crowley (34), B O’Mahony for Jones (40).

Referee: Brian Coniry(Crosshaven)