HERE we go again. Another season for the Cork footballers in Division 2 of the National Football League – their tenth year outside the top tier. So, what should we expect this time around?

This is John Cleary’s fourth season as permanent Cork senior football boss. With fourth-place finishes in Division 2 in two of the last three years, there are signs that Cork are ready to take the next step. Look at Meath – a side operating at a similar level to Cork, and one the Rebels beat in the league last year – and they went on to reach the 2025 All-Ireland semi-final. That type of rise has to be an objective for Cork. Armed with some notable two-point kickers, such as Brian O’Driscoll and Steven Sherlock, Cork are well suited to the new rules. Now, it’s about putting results on the board to match their encouraging performances.

Okay, so you’re saying  there is a chance of promotion – but what needs to happen to turn hope into reality?

We’ve already touched on Cork’s ability to register two-pointers, but it’s the three-pointers that need attention this season. The Rebels scored just two goals in the 2025 championship and only three from open play since round four of the league. There were plenty of examples last year where Cork weren’t relaxed enough in front of goal, particularly in their All-Ireland group-stage loss to Kerry when they missed at least three gilt-edged chances. Even in last weekend’s McGrath Cup final, Cork had two excellent opportunities to hit the net but came away empty-handed. If Cork are to reach the next level, converting goal chances must improve. As the saying goes, goals win games.

Looking at the 2026 league fixture list, Cork have only three home games – but can they still target promotion?

The ingredients are there for a promotion push. Cork finished with their highest points total (eight) in Division 2 since 2017 last year. The first three games are massive, especially given what lies ahead. Cavan (home), Louth (away) and Offaly (away) are all winnable fixtures. The final four games are against Meath (home), Derry (away), Kildare (home) and Tyrone (away). Meath and Tyrone were All-Ireland semi-finalists. Those opening three games will be a strong indicator of where Cork are at. Win all three and promotion becomes a realistic target with momentum on their side. Two or three early losses, however, and Cork could find themselves looking nervously towards the wrong end of the table.

Castlehaven and Cork footballer Brian Hurley.

We’re looking for heroes – who are the players to watch this year?

The McGrath Cup showed that John Cleary was willing to give significant game time to players pushing for a breakthrough. Young defenders Seán Brady and Jacob O’Driscoll impressed in pre-season, while Seán McDonnell has carried on the form that defined his breakout year in 2025. West Cork duo Conor Daly (Clonakilty) and Dara Sheedy (Bantry Blues) also appear to be in Cleary’s plans. Despite still being U20 this year, Sheedy made a real impact against Kerry last weekend, setting up the winning score for Chris Óg Jones. Brian Hurley showed his value as an impact substitute by hitting 0-5, while the return of Steven Sherlock is another major boost.

In 2025, Cork finished their campaign with a preliminary quarter-final loss to Dublin. What can they achieve in 2026?

After the league, Cork turn their attention to the Munster championship and will be targeting their first provincial final since 2021, with Limerick and either Tipperary or Waterford standing in their way. Cork and arch-rivals Kerry are on a potential collision course for a Munster final in Killarney. Having already beaten Kerry in the McGrath Cup final – with several senior players on the pitch – Cork will be keen to prove they belong back at the top table. For now, though, promotion from Division 2 must be the priority. Everything else can follow.