Premier JFC wrap: Cork footballer Darragh Cashman delivers knockout ticket for Millstreet
Cork's Darragh Cashman on the move this year. Picture: David Ribeiro
A dramatic and entertaining end to the group stage of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC on Friday night, with the knockout and relegation spots now confirmed.
Six teams remain in the hunt for silverware as they look to succeed Buttevant as winners of this grade, now in its fourth season.
In Group 1, St Vincent’s secured a crucial victory over already-qualified Kinsale, 2-14 to 0-11. Blake Murphy landed 0-6, including three two-pointers.
It’s a win that keeps them out of the dreaded relegation play-off and offers some stability after last year’s drop.
Kinsale will take more from their second-half display than the first as they prepare to face St Nick’s in the quarter-finals.
In the winner-takes-all Duhallow derby, it ended in thrilling fashion. Cullen looked set to squeeze through as they led by a point, but a two-pointer from Cork footballer Darragh Cashman sent Millstreet through, 1-14 to 2-10.
After battling relegation last year, this marks a real step forward as they now meet Inniscarra in the quarter-finals.
In Group 2, Cobh finished top on five points and earned a direct route to the semi-finals after a 5-7 to 0-14 triumph over Urhan.
Adam Lynch, Ben Geary, Eoin Cullimore, Adam Doran and Evan Cummins all netted for the Imokilly side. Contrasting emotions at the end, as Urhan head for the relegation play-off against Na Piarsaigh.
The other qualification spot went to Inniscarra after they won their own winner-takes-all clash with Glenville, 3-11 to 1-10. Liam O’Connor and Seán McCarthy did the bulk of the scoring for Daire Holland’s team.
In Group 3, Canovee bypassed the quarter-finals and moved straight to the last four after a comfortable 4-16 to 0-8 victory over Na Piarsaigh.
These are challenging times for Na Piarsaigh, who have endured a tough number of years at the big ball. It wasn’t long ago they were competitive near the top of Cork football.
Last year’s beaten finalists St Nick’s got the better of the 2025 County JAFC winners Kilmacabea in a lively clash, finishing 2-10 to 1-10. Cork hurler Robert Downey and Conor McCarthy raised the all-important green flags for the city side. Despite Eamon Shanahan's best efforts, Kilmacabea fell short.
The knockout draw has thrown up some fascinating games.
Kinsale face a St Nick’s side who have rediscovered bite and still carry the hurt of last year’s final.
Inniscarra, steady and well-drilled, meet a Millstreet outfit energised by their late escape and Cashman’s influence.
Canovee and Cobh, already through, can watch the chaos unfold.
Group 1: St Vincent’s 2-14 Kinsale 0-11; Millstreet 1-14 Cullen 2-10.
Group 2: Inniscarra 3-11 Glenville 1-10; Cobh 5-7 Urhan 0-14.
Group 3: Canovee 4-16 Na Piarsaigh 0-8; St Nick’s 2-10 Kilmacabea 1-10.
Kinsale v St Nick’s
Inniscarra v Millstreet
Canovee v Inniscarra or Millstreet
Cobh v Kinsale or St Nick’s
Urhan v Na Piarsaigh.
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