Cork football Team of the Week: Leaders rise as championship pace quickens

Round two of the football championships finished with plenty of shocks and thrillers, and many standout performers that make up this week's Team of the Week.

Goalkeeper: Michéal Aodh Martin (Nemo Rangers)

Made the save that mattered in the first half and radiated calm in everything else he did. Faultless on kickouts, the hallmark of a top-class keeper.

Corner-back: Darragh King (Carrigaline)

A constant thorn in Clonakilty’s side. Carrigaline’s shock win needed someone to anchor the defence. King did it with minimum fuss, maximum effect.

Full-back: Ciarán Ó Nuanáin (Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh)

Absolutely immense for Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh. Utterly impenetrable in their huge win over Dohenys, stood out among defenders this weekend.

Corner-back: Damien Cahalane (Castlehaven) 0-1

For Castlehaven, the Cahalanes always deliver. Damien was steady, forceful, and even found time to clip a point in a commanding win over Valleys.

Half-back: Mark Collins (Castlehaven) 0-4

An engine down the flank, galloped forward to chip in with four points. Remains one of the best in an incredibly strong team.

Centre-back: Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg) 0-3

On the wrong side of the result but not for want of effort. O’Callaghan kept driving at Newmarket, scored three, and might have had goals but for Josh O’Keeffe’s reflexes.

Defender Rory Lynn was outstanding for Newmarket. Picture: Larry Cummins

Half-back: Rory Lynn (Newmarket)

Only 20, but played like a veteran. Tackled, turned over, and kept going when Éire Óg came hard late on. His interception sparked Newmarket’s first two-pointer, the kind of moment that swings games.

Midfielder: Ethan Twomey (St Finbarr’s) 0-4

Dragged the Barrs kicking and screaming over the line. A standout performer in their nervy win against Carbery Rangers.

Midfielder: Paul Walsh (Kanturk) 2-1 (1-0 pen)

Outstanding for Kanturk as they defeated Kilshannig. Nailed a penalty and added 1-1 from play. One of the best performers of the weekend.

Half-forward: Damien Ó hUrdail (Cill na Martra) 0-5 (1 tp)

Superb showing from Ó hUrdail, 0-5 from play including a two-pointer as they got their first win of the campaign against Fermoy.

Centre-forward: Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers) 1-9 (0-5 f, 1 tpf)

The best player on the losing team all weekend. Scored heavily, worked tirelessly, and reminded everyone of the talent that injuries have too often interrupted.

Half-forward: David Buckley (Newcestown) 0-11 (2 tpf, 0-3 f)

Eleven more here, 23 in two games. Remarkable. Newcestown have been flying, and Buckley is the reason why. An incredible distance shooter, and they’re making use of the new rules better than anyone at Premier Senior.

Bishopstown's Gary Holland, pictured here playing minor football in 2023, scored 0-6 off the bench. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Corner-forward: Gary Holland (Bishopstown) 0-6 (2 tp)

What a way to make your return from injury. Off the bench with Bishopstown under pressure, their former minor star nailed two orange flags and scored a further two points. The game changer.

Full-forward: Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire) 3-2 (0-1 f)

Another hat-trick, another statement. His presence alone frightens defenders. Jones is the reason Uibh Laoire look like contenders in a ferocious grade.

Corner-forward: Anthony O’Connor (Knocknagree) 1-7 (2 tp, 0-2 f)

Outstanding for Knocknagree, as he so often is. A guiding hand when they needed one, clinical and composed under pressure. The scoring return tells the story from their win over Clyda Rovers.

Anthony O'Connor (right), scored 1-7 (2 tp, 0-2 f) in Knocknagree's win over Clyda Rovers.Picture: David Creedon

Substitutes:

Colin Molloy (Nemo Rangers)

Donagh Seartan (Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh) 0-2

Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers) 0-6 (1 tp, 1 tpf, 0-1 f)

Seán Coakley (Douglas) 1-2 (0-1 f)

Seán O’Sullivan (Kiskeam) 0-7 (2 tpf, 0-2 f)

Conor O’Keeffe (Newmarket) 0-5

Chris Vaughan (Uibh Laoire) 1-5 (0-2 f, 1 tp)

Luke Casey (Aghabullogue) 1-3

Jack Coogan (Nemo Rangers Int) 0-6

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