Cork set for Meath opener as top-flight return beckons

Cork’s return to Division 1 football is set to begin with a home clash against fellow promoted side Meath, according to the draft 2027 Allianz National Football League fixtures circulated to counties.

Having secured promotion from Division 2 earlier this year, John Cleary’s side will waste little time in reacquainting themselves with the demands of the top tier when they welcome the Royals to Leeside on Sunday, January 24.

The fixture offers Cork an immediate opportunity to lay down a marker. Both sides came through Division 2 together, but the step up to the elite level presents an entirely different challenge, with every point likely to prove crucial in the battle to retain Division 1 status.

Supporters will also be keeping a close eye on one fixture in particular. In the penultimate round of the campaign, Cork are due to host old rivals Kerry in a mouth-watering derby. 

It will mark the counties’ first meeting in Division 1 since 2016. 

With league points potentially carrying major significance at that stage of the season, the encounter could have a major bearing on both counties’ ambitions.

A home opener against Meath and a later showdown with Kerry provide two standout occasions, while every game in between promises to test Cork’s credentials.

With several months still to go before the league gets underway and fixtures yet to be formally ratified, supporters can nonetheless begin looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting campaign back in Division 1.