Preview: Cork v Kerry in All-Ireland Football Group Stages
The upcoming clash between Cork and Kerry in the All-Ireland Football Group Stages promises to be an intense battle between two historic rivals. With a long-standing rivalry dating back to 2000, these teams have faced each other 33 times in the championship, with Kerry emerging victorious in 21 encounters, while Cork has claimed six wins, with six draws.
Recent Form and History
Cork enters this match on the back of a hard-fought victory over Louth in the first round, while Kerry suffered a defeat against Mayo. These teams have met in the championship for a remarkable seventh successive year, with Kerry emerging victorious in five of the previous six encounters. In last year’s Munster final, Kerry dominated Cork, securing a convincing twelve-point victory. Their only defeat against Cork in recent years was in the 2020 Munster semi-final. Prior to that, Cork had not defeated Kerry since 2012, leaving Kerry with a commanding 9-1 lead in their last ten championship meetings.
Cork’s Top Scorers and Performances
In their previous matches, Cork displayed their attacking prowess, narrowly edging out Clare by a single point in the Munster quarter-final and overcoming Louth by two points in the All-Ireland Group 1 stage. Steven Sherlock leads the scoring charts for Cork with 0-11 points, closely followed by Brian Hurley with 0-8 points and Brian O’Driscoll with 1-1.
Kerry’s Top Scorers and Performances
On the other hand, Kerry began their championship campaign with a resounding victory against Tipperary, winning by a massive 20-point margin in the Munster quarter-final. They continued their dominance by defeating Clare in the Munster final with a comprehensive scoreline of 5-14 to 0-15. However, they suffered a setback in the All-Ireland Group 1 stage, succumbing to a defeat against Mayo. David Clifford leads Kerry’s scoring charts with an impressive tally of 2-16 points, followed by Tony Brosnan with 1-6 points and Sean O’Shea with 0-12 points.
Starting Teams
The Cork Senior Football Team to play Kerry in Group 1 Round 2 of the All Ireland Senior Football Championship has been announced
- Micheál Aodh Martin (Nemo Rangers)
- Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty)
- Rory Maguire (Castlehaven)
- Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers)
- Luke Fahy (Ballincollig)
- Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree)
- Matty Taylor (Mallow)
- Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg)
- Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s)
- Brian O’Driscoll (Tadhg Mac Carthaigh)
- Ruairí Deane (Bantry Blues)
- Killian O’Hanlon (Kilshannig)
- Sean Powter (Douglas)
- Brian Hurley (Castlehaven) Captain
- Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire)
- Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree)
- Cian Kiely (Ballincollig)
- Tom Clancy (Clonakilty)
- Kevin Flahive (Douglas)
- Paul Walsh (Kanturk)
- Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree)
- Blake Murphy (St Vincents)
- John O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers)
- Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers)
- Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s)
- Fionn Herlihy (Dohenys)
Kerry team
1 (GK) Shane Ryan Seán Ó Riain Ráth Mhór
2 Graham O’Sullivan Graeme Ó Súilleabháin Piarsaigh na Dromoda
3 Jason Foley Jason Ó Foghlú Baile Uí Donnachú
4 Tom O’Sullivan Tomas Ó Súilleabháin Daingean Uí Chúis
5 Paul Murphy Pol Ó Murchú Ráth Mhór
6 Tadhg Morley Tadhg Ó Muraile Teampall Nua
7 Gavin White Gabhin de Faoite Dr Crócaigh
8 Diarmuid O’Connor Diarmuid Ó Conchúir Na Gaeil
9 Jack Barry Jeaic de Barra Na Gaeil
10 Dara Moynihan Dara Ó Muineacháin Spa Cill Airne
11 Seán O’Shea Seán Ó Sé An Neidín
12 Adrian Spillane Adrian Ó Spealáin Teampall Nua
13 Paudie Clifford Pádraig Ó Clúmháin Fosadh
14 David Clifford Dáithí Ó Clúmháin Fosadh
15 Paul Geaney Pól Ó Géibheannaigh Daingean Uí Chúis
16 (GK) Shane Murphy Seán Ó Murchú Dr Crócaigh
17 Tony Brosnan Antóin Ó Brosnacháin Dr Crócaigh
18 Dylan Casey Dylan Ó Cathasaigh Aibhistín de Staic
19 Barry Dan O’Sullivan Barra Ó Súilleabháin Daingean Uí Chúis
20 Ruairí Murphy Ruairí Ó Murchú Lios A’Troí
21 Micheál Burns Mícheál Ó Broin Dr Crócaigh
22 Mike Breen Mícheál Ó Braoin Lios an Phúca
23 Stephen O’Brien Stiofán Ó Briain An Neidín
24 Donal O’Sullivan Donal Ó Súilleabháin Cill Gharbháin
25 Chris O’Donoghue Criostóir Ó Donnachú Gleann Fleisce
26 Seán O’Brien Seán Ó Briain L
Conclusion
As Cork and Kerry renew their age-old rivalry in the All-Ireland Football Group Stages, all eyes will be on these teams to deliver a thrilling contest. While Kerry has enjoyed a considerable advantage in recent encounters, Cork will be determined to overturn the tide and secure a crucial victory against their great rivals. With both teams boasting talented scorers and a rich history between them, this match is sure to captivate football fans across Ireland
