In their eight previous attempts to escape Division 2, they never once properly challenged for promotion, let alone sat unbeaten and top of the pile four games in. Hitting the necessary points accumulation to complete the journey back to Division 1 after 10 years away will not be straightforward. What matters for now, according to Cleary, is that they are at least part of the promotion conversation. “We've put ourselves in the mix and we'll just see where it goes in the next couple of weeks,” said the Cork boss. Thanks be to God we had it in abundance today.”No question, agreed Cleary, but Cork refused defeat in the name of Ian Maguire.

Source: Irish Examiner February 22, 2026 18:21 UTC