HERE we go again. So, it’s the first game of the new National Football League season and Cork begin their ninth Division 2 campaign in ten years. The Rebels have not competed in Division 1 since 2016 so will be desperate to challenge for promotion and return to the top tier.

If John Cleary’s side are to be at the business end of the standings come the conclusion of the league, a win against Cavan this Sunday (1.30pm) in Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a must.

Considering this is their only home game in their first three matches, that high-fliers Meath, Derry and Tyrone are to come later in the campaign and that Cork beat Cavan away from home last year (0-21 to 0-19), there is no reason why Cork can’t get the win here.

Their McGrath Cup final performance last weekend resulted in a morale-boosting victory over Kerry (0-16 to 0-15) and there were encouraging signs.

In the second half, Cork converted nine of their ten attempts. When you consider they converted just five out of 11 in the first half, they got better as the game went on.

Brian Hurley kicked 0-5 off the bench while Sean McDonnell, Colm O’Callaghan and Brian O’Driscoll have all started the year well.

With senior players, other than Ian Maguire, getting game time during pre-season as well as fringe players getting their chance, Cork boss Cleary will be pleased with how the start of January went.

What is important though is a fast start. In their previous eight campaigns in Division 2, Cork have only won their opening game once and that was against Meath last year.

Even going back to 2023, Cork won the McGrath Cup having beaten Kerry along the way and all of a sudden, they came crashing back down to earth with a 3-14 to 0-19 loss against Meath at home. That sense of complacency cannot be repeated against Cavan.

The starting line-up that Cleary will go with will be quite interesting. Will Brian Hurley get the nod over Steven Sherlock? Where will Conor Cahalane play if he starts, half-forward or midfield? Will Jacob O’Driscoll start after his pre-season form?

As for Sunday’s visitors, Cavan had a mixed 2025. After experiencing a solid Division 2 campaign, they had heavy championship losses to Tyrone (twice), Donegal and Kerry but did Mayo away from home to show the quality they do have.

Marksman Paddy Lynch was injured for the majority of 2025 but is fully fit now.

With new manager Dermot McCabe at the helm, there were some key players that reportedly left the panel in the off season including Conor Madden, Padraig Faulkner and James Smith.

They are predicted by some to be at the lower end of the table but the underdogs tag may suit them on Sunday.

For many reasons, this is an important game for Cork to win. To get off to a good start, boost their promotion hopes and keep the feel-good factor going after a successful pre-season.