The Echo Sport Podcast: Divisions look doomed in new Cork GAA format as Barrs and Nemo lay down markers

The national spotlight was on Ireland's controversial clash with Israel but here on Leeside, the Cork GAA scene was in full swing.

There was a packed programme of football games, with Nemo Rangers reminding us all of their pedigree by knocking out Castlehaven in front of a huge crowd in Clonakilty. The return of young gun Bryan Hayes was a major boost while Ross Corkery also shot the lights out. They now take on Carrigaline, the top seeds, as men on a mission after their series of heartbreaking county final losses.

St Finbarr's only managed a single victory in the group stages but blitzed Carbery to the tune of four goals, their Brian Hayes now fully fit along with Ian Maguire to give them a platform on primary possession. They head into a fascinating semi-final with Clon, who showed their guts by coping with a half-time red card in their win over Newcestown. 

The future of divisions will be up for discussion again though as both Imokilly and Carbery failed to make their quarter-finals competitive. Is it time to restrict the Premier Senior Championships to clubs?

Naomh Abán were arguably the team of the weekend, after putting six goals past Macroom to reach their third consecutive PIFC semi-final. Buttevant and Mitchelstown was the expected cracker at Intermediate A, with the team in black and amber progressing, while Castletownbere pulled off an upset in relegating Glanmire and Clyda Rovers and Ballincollig saved their best for last to condemn Skibb and St Michael's to the drop.

This weekend attention turns to hurling again, with some terrific semi-finals, including the club of the season so far Kanturk, who beat Kilshanning in Sunday's Senior A quarter-final, clashing with the Barrs. 

TUNE IN

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on their analysis including The Replay, the new highlights show anchored by Seanie McGrath, Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.