Kilbrittain chase All-Ireland final hurling spot
It’s the last weekend before Christmas and there’s still activity on the playing fields with an All-Ireland semi-final and the rescheduled U21 games from last weekend pencilled in.
AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling semi-final
Kilbrittain v Davidstsown-Courtnacuddy on Saturday at 1pm in Clonmel
“Thrilled that we are the Munster champions and now we have an All-Ireland semi-final to look forward to the week before Christmas,” Kilbrittain, manager Joe Ryan said in the immediate aftermath of the Munster Final win over Kilrossanty.
Then, the Leinster semi-final had not been played and their opponents were not yet known but Joe had this to say. “Look whoever it is will be tough Leinster clubs have a very good record in this championship and we will be conscious of that. We will enjoy tonight and then start our preparation for the semi-final.”
That preparation will have seen them watch the Leinster final and witness a very good Wexford side emerge winners, and with a team from the same county St Martin’s winning the senior title, club hurling in the Model County would appear to be strong.
Kilbrittain were impressive winners though in Munster and this represents an ideal opportunity to make Croke Park and given that Easkey from Sligo and Burt from Donegal play in the other semi-final, the winners from Clonmel will be strongly fancied to lift the All-Ireland title.
Kilbrittain captain Philip Wall is savouring the moment and equally looking forward to the semi-final. “At the start of the year, the ambition was to win the county and once that was achieved, we switched our focus to Munster and now it’s the All-Ireland series.”
Did he ever think along with his team mates that they would stand just 60 minutes away from playing in Croke Park? “Truthfully no, but now that is here we must grab the opportunity with both hands as it might not come around again.”
Looking at the Leinster champions, they have enjoyed some good wins.
In the QF they racked up 4-21 while beating St Brigid’s from Westmeath, they then travelled to and beat Barrow Rangers 2-16 to 0-15 and as we all know, it is never easy to win in Kilkenny.
Clane from Kildare were beaten in the final 3-12 to 0-11.
Oisin Hayes, James Doyle, Lucas Fitzpatrick, Padraig Doyle and former Wexford player David Dunne who has an eye for goals, are big players for them.
Kilbrittain are a very well balanced team as they have shown in their march to victory in both the county and provincial championships.
David Desmond is an excellent goalkeeper and he is fronted by quality defenders Darragh Considine, son of All-Ireland winner John, Aaron Holland and Colm Sheehan.
The midfield pair of Sean Sexton and Josh O’Donovan has given them control of this vital area when the need is greatest.
Mark Hickey is their ace marksman in the attack with Luke Griffin, Ronan Crowley, Bertie Butler and Conor Hogan all making important contributions.
It should be a lively contest with the weather conditions also likely to be a factor in what is certain to be a heavy playing surface.
Kilbrittain are the last Cork team standing in the hurling and football championships and let’s hope that by 3pm on Saturday they can begin planning a trip to Croke Park in the new year, to make what is sure to be an enjoyable Christmas an even better one.
Kilbritain to win.
Under 21 county championships
The orange weather warning for last Sunday forced the County Board to cancel all games scheduled and they have now been fixed for the 4G in Páirc Uí Chaoimh with a few adjustments.
There are two games on Friday night in the Co-Op Superstores B Hurling semi-finals.
Bishopstown and Ballygarvan play at 6.15pm followed at 8pm by the meeting of Kanturk-Dromtarrife and Aghabullogue.
A triple bill then on Sunday. In the C hurling, it’s Cobh v Doheny’s at 12.15pm, then at 2pm it’s the A final featuring holders Midleton v Shandrum.
The 3rd game is the McCarthy Insurance Group B Football Final with St Nick’s v Donoughmore at 3.45pm.
2026 championship draws
Last week we had a quick glance at the Premier Senior groups in both codes and the other grades have also thrown up some interesting contests.
In the McCarthy Insurance Group Football, the very competitive Senior A grade will be lively.
Group 1 has newly promoted Aghabullogue in with Dohenys, semi-finalists this year Ballingeary and Kanturk.
There’s a big West Cork derby in Group 2 with relegated Carbery Rangers and O’Donovan Rossa, with runners-up Cill Na Martra and Newmarket joining them.
The final group has near neighbours Bishopstown who have Larry Tompkins as a selector, and Éire Óg along with North Cork rivals Clyda Rovers and Kilsahnnig.
A glance at the other grades will see Ballinora make their debut at Premier intermediate alongside Naomh Abán.
Premier Junior champions Buttevant will have Ilen Rovers, Kilmurry and Glanworth for company in their group, while junior champions Kilmacabea will face Canovee, Na Piarsaigh and St Nick’s as they step up a grade.
The Co-Op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship has thrown up a few familiar pairings; Group 2 for instance has 3 of the same teams as this year in Killeagh, Fermoy and Na Piarsaigh with relegated Erin’s Own the 4th team.
Group 1 will see Castlelyons and Blarney with a new manager facing off again, while Ballinhassig will encounter South-East rivals Courcey Rovers in Group 3.
In the Premier Intermediate Championship, there are 3 Muskerry teams in Group 1 Ballincollig, Éire Óg, Aghabullogue with neighbours Bishopstown joining them.
Group 2 is an all-East Cork affair, Dungourney, Cloyne, Castlemartyr and Lisgoold, and Group 3 has a trio of South East teams in Carrigaline, Valley Rovers, Ballymartle with Kilworth the 4th team.
Kilbrittain will debut in the Intermediate grade against Russell Rovers in Group 1; Group 3 should be interesting - Ballygiblin with Anthony Nash as coach come up against 3 East Cork sides in Youghal, Sarsfields and Erin’s Own.
The final grade is Premier Junior and runners-up to Kilbrittain, Glen Rovers face junior champions Kilshannig in Group 1, while relegated Mayfield with a new coach in Jim McCarthy will look to bounce back with an opener against Argideen Rangers in Group 3.
It is understood the master fixture plan will be available in the coming days and then, if it has not already started the planning and plotting for honours in 2026 will begin in earnest.
2025
As this is my final offering of a year filled with drama, joy and disappointment my thanks to Brian, Niamh Áine and Jarlath for their help at all times.
To all players, managers and selectors at club and inter-county in all grades for their willingness to speak before and after games in victory or defeat, your co-operation at all times is greatly appreciated.
Thanks also to all the clubs at whose grounds I covered games at the courtesy and welcome, not to mention the tea and sandwiches were well received.
We also remember those that are no longer with us.
Congratulations to all the winners, I’m sure the winter is that bit shorter.
Before we know it the 2026 season will be up and running but for now it’s time to relax and enjoy the festive season.
Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to all.
Corcaigh abú!