All to play for in McCarthy Insurance Group Football Leagues with finish line in sight

Barry O'Mahony looks at where teams stand in the top four divisions with two rounds remaining

THE 2024 McCarthy Insurance Group Football Leagues are now in their final month as teams jostle for positions.

In the seven divisions of the league pyramid, there is still a lot to be decided even though a few teams know their fate heading into the 2025 league campaign.

The focus today is on the top four divisions.

In Division 1, Nemo Rangers are top of the pile with eleven points from seven games and with two matches remaining, they look best placed to finish in one of the top two spots and in the process book a league final place.

Carrigaline are in the best position to join Nemo in the league decider as they are just one point behind but more importantly one point clear of St Finbarr’s and Cill na Martra respectively, with those two having played one more game than Carrigaline.

At the other end of the table, Ballincollig have completed their nine matches and will be in Division 2 next season. Podsie O’Mahony’s side will finish rock bottom, losing eight of their nine matches, with the only victory coming against Castlehaven in the second league outing.

Who will join the Collig in Division 2? That’s anyone’s guess even with two matches left. Carbery Rangers are in the relegation zone with five points, a point behind Éire Óg and Douglas respectively. Castlehaven and Newcestown are in mid-table on eight points. While both aren’t officially safe, they look to have done enough to avoid a relegation scrap in the final few weeks of the season.

In Division 2, Clonakilty secured promotion in the previous round of games. The Brewery Town have won all seven games and can play with less pressure now going into the final two matches. St Michael’s have joined Clon in the top tier with the Blackrock outfit clinching promotion last evening after victory at home to Fermoy. St Michael’s are level on points with Clon but have played a game more but are now three points clear of Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh and four ahead of Dohenys with those teams also having played eight matches.

The relegation places are sorted with Kiskeam and Clyda Rovers down, with both sides yet to pick up any points. Kiskeam have played eight matches with Clyda having played a game less.

Division 3 is firmly up for grabs. All teams have played seven matches. Kanturk are leading the pack with the Duhallow outfit on eleven points, but fifth placed Bishopstown are on eight points, which gives you an indication of how tight it is.

Mallow are second on ten points, just ahead of Castletownbere on scoring difference, while Rockchapel are also in with a shout of promotion with the Rock on nine points.

At the other end, Nemo Rangers’ second string are down, but there’s a fierce old scrap above them with Aghada, Newmarket and Kilshannig all on five points. Macroom are in mid-table but are looking nervously over their shoulder as they are on six points.

Moving to Division 4 and it’s even tighter at the top than Division 3. Naomh Abán have their noses in front with 11 points, but Iveleary, Glanmire and Boherbue are just behind on nine points. Aghabullogue and St Vincent’s are still in with an opportunity of elevation with both on eight points. Glanworth and Ilen Rovers are gone through the trap door.

Tomorrow we look in detail at Divisions 5, 6 and 7 with just a couple of games remaining.