THE countdown to championship action in the Carrigdhoun division is firmly underway after the 2026 draw at the Huntsman Bar in Belgooly.

BY JJ HURLEY

With groups now confirmed, clubs across the South East can begin mapping out their routes through what looks set to be a highly competitive series of competitions.

Backing once again comes from Procure.ie, who return as sponsors of the junior A football championship, while Ross Oil will support the junior A hurling championship.

As always, the spotlight will fall primarily on the junior A grades, where several intriguing groupings have emerged.

In the junior A hurling championship, one of the standout sections pairs Kinsale, Ballymartle and Ballinhassig. Kinsale, who were beaten finalists in 2025, are expected to be in contention once again, though their inability to get over the line in recent seasons continues to linger.

Elsewhere, Valley Rovers, Courcey Rovers and Carrigaline form a particularly competitive group. Valley Rovers have a strong recent history at this level, while Carrigaline demonstrated their credentials in 2024 when they came close to toppling Belgooly, who had entered that campaign as defending champions following their 2023 success.

Courcey Rovers have also shown encouraging league form and, if they can keep their panel intact, are more than capable of making an impact.

The final group sees Belgooly, Ballygarvan and Shamrocks drawn together. Belgooly, who regained the title in 2025 after losing it in 2024, will once again be among the leading contenders. However, with a number of key players unavailable this season, there may be an opportunity for Shamrocks to mount a serious challenge for top spot.

In the junior A football championship, Ballygarvan are once again the team everyone will be watching as they pursue a fourth consecutive title. Drawn alongside Courcey Rovers and Shamrocks in a three-team group, they will be expected to advance. Last year, they had to cope without Cork senior footballer Sean Brady, and Ray O’Halloran, and were pushed all the way by Carrigaline in the final.

Carrigaline, however, face a demanding path if they are to reach similar heights this year. They have been grouped with Valley Rovers, Ballinhassig and Ballymartle in what could prove to be the most competitive section of all. Predicting outcomes here looks particularly difficult, and it may well live up to its billing as the toughest group.

Attention will also turn to the junior B competitions, where there is no shortage of intrigue. In football, Carrigaline come in as county champions and will be fancied to go well, though Belgooly and Tracton are both capable of causing problems. The groups are – Group A: Kinsale, Carrigaline, Belgooly, Tracton; Group B: Ballinhassig, Valley Rovers, Crosshaven, Ballygarvan.

The junior B hurling championship once again offers an important stage for emerging players, and with no obvious frontrunner, the competition looks wide open heading into the new season.

The groups are – Group A: Valley Rovers, Courceys, Ballymartle; Group B: Ballinhassig, Kinsale, Tracton; Group C: Ballygarvan, Carrigaline, Crosshaven.