St Finbarr's and Nemo prepare for latest chapter in storied rivalry

The crown is on the line and a familiar rivalry will once again take centre stage when holders St Finbarr’s face Nemo Rangers in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday with throw-in at 4pm.

For the second year running, Cork football’s biggest clubs collide on county final day and there is little doubt this latest chapter has all the ingredients to live up to the billing.

St Finbarr’s enter the decider as defending champions after edging Nemo by a point in last year’s dramatic final. 

That victory ensured the Andy Scannell Cup returned to Togher, but it also extended Nemo’s recent county final frustrations.

Since lifting the title by defeating the Barrs in the 2022 decider, Nemo have suffered three successive final defeats, going down to Castlehaven in 2023 and 2024 before last year’s loss against St Finbarr’s.

Those disappointments have only strengthened the hunger within Robbie O’Dwyer’s squad and they arrive this year looking a team that has rediscovered its edge. Victories over Castlehaven and Carrigaline in the knockout stages suggest Nemo are building momentum at exactly the right time.

The Trabeg club still possess some of the most dangerous forwards in the county. Mark Cronin remains their attacking leader while Bryan Hayes has enjoyed another solid campaign. 

Conor Horgan continues to be a big-game player and experienced figures such as Kevin O’Donovan, Alan O’Donovan, Stephen Cronin and netminder Micheál Aodh Martin provide invaluable quality and leadership.

In terms of injuries, Nemo look set to have a near full bill of health, with Barry Cripps their only injury concern as he continues his recovery from a recent setback.

O’Dwyer is hopeful Cripps will be able to contribute on the day, even if it is not from the first whistle to the last.

St Finbarr’s, meanwhile, know exactly what it takes to win on county final day. Their blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent has carried them back to another decider.

Steven Sherlock remains the marquee name and arguably the most potent scoring threat in Cork club football. 

His scoring exploits have once again underpinned the Barrs’ challenge, while Ian Maguire, Brian Hayes, Rickey Barrett and goalkeeper Darragh Newman have all made major contributions during their run to the final.

The reigning champions were pushed hard by Clonakilty in the semi-final but showed the composure expected of title holders to book their place in another final.

History suggests little separates these sides when they meet.

Nemo are chasing a first title since 2022 and seeking to avoid a fourth straight final disappointment. 

Whatever happens, Cork football supporters can look forward to another memorable southside showdown.