CORK are back where they belong. Division 1 football awaits for the first time since 2016.

A long road through the lower tiers has finally ended, as the Rebels powered their way to promotion by winning six of their seven league games to reclaim their place among the elite.

‘This is where Cork football should be. It’s ten years too long,’ Rebels forward Seán McDonnell said after their memorable win over Tyrone.

‘There’s a great squad there. Last year, things didn’t go our way in the league and we were fighting relegation on the last day. To come up here and be going for promotion in the first place, it was just about coming here and enjoying it.

‘There could be all the pressure in the world on you. We were only one of three teams in the whole country on ten points coming into the final game. We had to relish that, come up here and play the football we know we can play.’

For Bantry Blues’ Dara Sheedy, this has been a breakthrough senior campaign that just keeps getting better. The West Cork man has relished his opportunity in a Cork jersey, and promotion caps a memorable few months.

‘It was always a dream to play for Cork. Now that I have got the chance, I’m enjoying it. Hopefully we can make more of these good times on Sunday against Meath,’ Sheedy said, looking ahead to the Division 2 final this weekend.

‘That’s what the lads always wanted. They have waited ten years to get back up to Division 1. They work extremely hard and train hard. It’s well deserved.’

Manager John Cleary, now in his fourth season in charge, has overseen steady progress – and this promotion feels like a significant breakthrough. He was quick to highlight the difficulty of navigating Division 2.

‘It was a very difficult league to get out of. We had two of last year’s All-Ireland semi-finalists (Meath and Tyrone). We had the winners of Division 1 from two years ago (Derry). We had the Leinster champions (Louth),’ Cleary said.

‘Even when the draw was made, we had two trips up north, a trip to Louth and a trip to Offaly. It was always going to be very difficult, and it proved that way. When there’s a bit of luck going, we deserved it. We’re absolutely thrilled to get promotion.’

McDonnell echoed those sentiments, underlining just how competitive the division has become.

‘Division 2 is no joke,’ he said.

‘I know we want to be in Division 1, but Division 2 has definitely stood to us, even last year. You see Dublin won the All-Ireland in 2023 and Armagh won it in 2024 – both came through Division 2.

‘We’re happy to be out of there at the same time. To come up to Tyrone, especially after the Derry game, and to get a win and put in a performance from minute one to 70 was brilliant.’

While promotion is a major achievement, Cleary is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead.

Cork will face the likes of Donegal, Kerry, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway, Armagh and Meath in 2027 – a step up in every sense.

‘Division 1 is another level altogether. You really have to be on your game and continue to develop a panel, which we’ve been trying to do,’ Cleary said.

‘Next season is a good bit away yet, but looking at Division 1 from afar, the games are so competitive and the top teams are there. That’s the aim – to compete at that level, and we’ll take care of that next season.’

There was also a sense of relief from the Cork boss after finally getting over the line, following near-misses in recent seasons.

‘Cork football, and this group, has been through a fair bit in the last few years and nearly did things in championship and in the league. It was just great to win a match when there was so much at stake.

‘Relief is the word, but satisfaction as well, because there has been an awful lot of hard work put in over the last three years.

‘Maybe we weren’t ready for Division 1 in the past. We are ready this time. It would have been a big blow if we hadn’t come out with a victory – it would have been back to square one.

‘Now, instead, we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against the very best.’