Castlemagner go in search of a remarkable three-in-a-row in Duhallow, with eyes lifted over the parapet toward county glory, while Kanturk’s second team aim to upset the odds and claim divisional honours.
The stage is set in Cullen this Saturday for the Ashgrove Renewables Duhallow Junior A Football Championship Final.
Holders Castlemagner have been the benchmark in Duhallow Junior football over the past two seasons, blending experience, composure, and ruthless efficiency.
Their campaign has been largely straightforward, with a strong semi-final display seeing them defeat Knocknagree by 1-17 to 0-17 after a spirited contest.
Leaders such as Anthony O’Leary, Daniel Murphy, Darragh O’Sullivan, and Conor Murphy have been central to their success, providing consistency and calm under pressure.
Their earlier meeting with Kanturk ended in a comfortable 2-11 to 0-06 victory, but finals bring a different kind of test, one defined by tension, and momentum swings.
Kanturk, meanwhile, come into the decider with quiet confidence, having edged out Kilbrin and Lyre in two tight battles.
Driven by the energy and leadership of Liam Cashman, Conor Breen, Paul Leahy, Eoin Geaney, and Danny Cronin, this Kanturk outfit has shown resilience and teamwork, proving that the club’s depth extends well beyond their senior ranks.
While the dual commitments between senior and junior football have tested the squad’s endurance, the sense of unity and purpose within the group has kept them moving forward.
Their Nevin Cup success earlier this year laid the foundation for this championship run, a campaign built on work rate and belief.
Castlemagner’s blend of experience and structure gives them an edge on paper, but Kanturk’s momentum and hunger cannot be overlooked. Finals often hinge on small moments, turnovers, frees, and flashes of inspiration, and both sides have players capable of seizing them.
This fixture also carries a touch of history. The two clubs last met in a Duhallow final in 1961, when Castlemagner emerged victorious in Newmarket.
Over six decades later, they meet again with the stakes just as high.
Castlemagner’s track record and balance make them favourites, but Kanturk’s growing confidence and work ethic mean this final is far from predictable. Expect an intense, physical encounter worthy of its billing, and a large crowd in Cullen to roar both teams on.
