Premier SHC final: Conor McCarthy is the only St Finbarr's absentee for Glen Rovers clash

Conor McCarthy is the only confirmed absentee as St Finbarr's prepare for the Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC final with Glen Rovers.

While Barrs manager Paudie Murray expects Jack Cahalane to play some part of next Sunday week’s clash, it is unlikely that the attacker will be able to start the game.

Cahalane has suffered three hamstring tears in 2026, with the most recent coming in the Barrs’ second group game, the win over Bride Rovers. Having missed the opening-round defeat against Midleton, Cahalane started against the Bartlemy/Rathcormac side but only lasted 18 minutes, meaning he was absent for the draw with Newcestown and the quarter-final victory against Imokilly.

Having come on as a second-half sub in Castlehaven’s McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC defeat to Nemo Rangers a week and a half ago, Cahalane was used in similar fashion by the Barrs in last Sunday’s hurling semi-final against Kanturk.

Introduced in the 51st minute, Cahalane scored a point as the Togher side finished with seven in a row to triumph by 1-27 to 1-22.

Cahalane had been brought on for McCarthy, who had just four minutes on the pitch before sustaining a shoulder injury – unfortunately for the former Cork minor, he will be unable to play any part against the Glen.

Otherwise, Murray revealed at Tuesday’s press evening that he is expecting a clean bill of health.

“[Jack’s] injury is a funny one,” he said.

“I'm not a medical expert, so don't ask me to get into it, but I think if you're asking me today, it's another 15 minutes, possibly 20 minutes.

“It depends on what way he reacts to training.

“We have Conor McCarthy out. He won a great ball and did his AC, so we're looking at six weeks.

“Conor's a young fella coming through and he's done really well for us this year to be fair. He's only turned 20.

“I think he's a definite out but, outside that, I think everything's okay at the moment.”

Meanwhile, this weekend will see Clubber broadcasting the semi-finals of the top three grades of the McCarthy Insurance Group Football Championships.

On Saturday evening, both Premier SFC last-four ties will be streamed – Carrigaline face Nemo Rangers at 5.15pm while Clonakilty are up against St Finbarr’s at 7pm.

Earlier in the day, the SAFC semi between Carbery Rangers and Éire Óg takes place in Coachford at 3pm, with the other game at 4pm on Sunday in Macroom, Carbery Rangers clashing with Kanturk.

That match is part of a double-header – Uibh Laoire face Naomh Abán at 2pm and that will be streamed, along with Kiskeam and Fermoy at 3pm in Mallow.