McCarthy Insurance Group Football League preview: Clonakilty eye place in final as Carrigaline scrap for survival 

Clonakilty will take a big step towards a league final place in the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League if they win on what is the penultimate weekend of fixtures.

It’s important to note that the majority of the games are down for decision on Sunday with just three games across the seven divisions taking place tomorrow given the Munster SHC final is on tomorrow evening between Limerick and Cork at the TUS Gaelic Grounds (6pm).

Clonakilty are on 12 points after seven games, but did suffer a loss last time out away to Nemo Rangers.

At the start of this round of games, the two teams just mentioned and St Finbarr’s were all deadlocked on the same number of points. Both Nemo and the Barrs were out last evening in their respective fixtures, but Clonakilty know given their superior scoring difference that if they win the last two league games, they will be into the final.

Martin O’Brien’s charges host last year’s league winners Carrigaline on Sunday at 11.30am with the South East side on the brink of demotion. They are on two points and also two points off safety following their damaging home loss to fellow relegation rivals Castlehaven last time out.

Two mid-table teams, who will no doubt be content with how their campaigns have gone so far, lock horns on Sunday from 11.30am as Newcestown entertain Cill na Martra.

The home side are on nine points and still can mathematically make the top two positions though it’s a long shot. Cill na Martra are three points behind.

Finally from the top-tier, a big game down at the bottom as back-to-back Cork Premier SFC winners Castlehaven welcome Éire Óg to West Cork on Sunday (11.30am). Both teams come into Round 8 on four points, two points above the relegation zone. Whoever does come out on top in this one will take a giant step towards safety. A draw also might not be a bad result for both. 

In Division 2, Knocknagree will Carbery Rangers in the league final and therefore a place in Division 1 for 2026. John Fintan Daly’s team travel to pointless Fermoy on Sunday at 11.30am. Their promotion was secured last weekend after Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh lost to Carbery Rangers.

At the other end, with Fermoy down, it’s last chance saloon for Kanturk in their away game against Castletownbere on Sunday (2pm).

The Duhallow team are three points from safety.

In Division 3, it’s top against bottom as leaders Clyda Rovers take on already relegated Aghada on Sunday at 11.30am in Rostellan.

Finally, Ray Keane’s Aghabullogue will be promoted from Division 4 if they overcome Bandon on Sunday in Coachford from 11.30am.

MCCARTHY INSURANCE GROUP FOOTBALL LEAGUE FIXTURES (11.30am unless stated)

This evening 

Division 3: Bishopstown v Rockchapel, 7.45pm.

Division 5: Glenville v Mitchelstown, 7.45pm.

Tomorrow 

Division 4: Adrigole v Glanmire, 3pm.

Division 5: Glanworth v Kinsale, 12 noon.

Division 6: Aghinagh v St Michael’s, 12 noon.

Sunday 

Division 1: Castlehaven v Éire Óg; Clonakilty v Carrigaline; Newcestown v Cill na Martra.

Division 2: Ballincollig v Valley Rovers; Castletownbere v Kanturk, 2pm; Dohenys v O’Donovan Rossa; Fermoy v Knocknagree.

Division 3: Aghada v Clyda Rovers; Kiskeam v Iveleary; Mallow v Kilshannig.

Division 4: Aghabullogue v Bandon; Macroom v Buttevant; St Vincent’s v Bantry Blues.

Division 5: Ilen Rovers v Gabriel Rangers; Kilmurry v Millstreet.

Division 6: Cobh v St Nick’s; Dromtarriffe v Canovee; Kildorrery v Cullen.

Monday 

Division 4: Boherbue v Nemo Rangers, 8pm.