What Is 1987 Cork Senior Hurling Championship

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Cork Senior Hurling Championship was the 99th staging of the competition, won by Midleton who defeated St. Finbarr's 1–14 to 0–12 in the final on 11 October 1987 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Key Facts

Midleton won the 1987 title after a 1–14 to 0–12 victory over St. Finbarr's
Final was held on 11 October 1987 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh
It was Midleton's 6th championship title in history
St. Finbarr's were defending champions from 1986
1987 marked the 99th staging of the Cork Senior Hurling Championship

Overview

The 1987 Cork Senior Hurling Championship marked the 99th edition of the premier hurling competition in County Cork, organized by the Cork County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It featured top-tier club teams competing for county supremacy, with the winner earning the right to represent Cork in the Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship.

Midleton emerged as champions after defeating St. Finbarr's in the final, reclaiming the title after a strong campaign. The final, played on 11 October 1987, drew a significant crowd to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, reflecting the intense local rivalry and historical significance of the contest.

Midleton won 1–14 to 0–12: The final scoreline demonstrated Midleton’s dominance in key attacking moments, converting one goal and 14 points to secure victory.
Final date: 11 October 1987: The championship concluded in mid-October, a traditional timeframe for concluding county club championships before inter-provincial competitions.
Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted the final: Cork’s primary GAA stadium provided a neutral, high-capacity venue for the decisive match.
St. Finbarr's were defending champions: Having won in 1986, St. Finbarr's entered the 1987 final aiming for back-to-back titles but fell short.
Midleton’s 6th title: This victory marked Midleton’s sixth championship win since the competition began in 1887, reinforcing their status as a hurling powerhouse.

How It Works

The Cork Senior Hurling Championship follows a structured knockout and group-stage format, varying slightly by year, to determine the county’s best club team. Teams compete across several rounds, with progression based on match results, culminating in a final held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Knockout rounds: Early stages include preliminary quarter-finals and semi-finals, where loss means elimination from the championship.
Group stage (if applicable): In some years, teams are divided into groups; top finishers advance to knockout rounds based on points and scoring difference.
Fixture scheduling: Matches are typically held between July and October, with the final scheduled in October to align with the GAA calendar.
Refereeing and rules: All games follow official GAA hurling rules, enforced by appointed referees and linesmen to ensure fair play.
Team eligibility: Only senior-status hurling clubs in Cork are permitted to compete, with promotion and relegation influencing team participation annually.
Player registration: Players must be registered with their respective clubs and meet GAA eligibility criteria, including residency or club affiliation requirements.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of recent Cork Senior Hurling Championship winners highlights trends in team dominance and competitive balance.

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Score	Venue
1987	Midleton	St. Finbarr's	1–14 to 0–12	Páirc Uí Chaoimh
1986	St. Finbarr's	Imokilly	3–10 to 1–11	Páirc Uí Chaoimh
1985	Nemo Rangers	Ballincollig	2–13 to 1–10	Páirc Uí Chaoimh
1984	St. Finbarr's	Midleton	2–12 to 1–10	Páirc Uí Chaoimh
1983	Blackrock	Avondhu	3–12 to 1–10	Páirc Uí Chaoimh

The table illustrates the competitive nature of the championship during the 1980s, with teams like Midleton, St. Finbarr's, and Blackrock dominating. Midleton’s 1987 win broke St. Finbarr's momentum after their 1986 victory, showcasing shifting team dynamics.

Why It Matters

The 1987 championship holds historical significance in Cork GAA history, representing both a continuation of tradition and a pivotal moment for Midleton’s hurling legacy. Winning the title elevated Midleton’s status and qualified them for the Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship, where they represented Cork.

Boosted Midleton’s reputation: The win reinforced Midleton as a consistent contender in Cork hurling, adding to their growing list of titles.
Local pride and community impact: Victory brought significant pride to the Midleton community, strengthening local support for the club.
Pathway to Munster competition: As county champions, Midleton advanced to face other provincial champions in the inter-county club series.
Historical rivalry intensified: The final against St. Finbarr's deepened an already fierce rivalry, adding another chapter to Cork’s hurling lore.
Player recognition: Standout performers gained attention for potential selection in Cork inter-county panels.
Preserved tradition: The 1987 championship continued a 100-year-old tradition of competitive club hurling in Cork, dating back to 1887.

Ultimately, the 1987 Cork Senior Hurling Championship remains a notable milestone in the annals of GAA history, symbolizing excellence, rivalry, and the enduring passion for hurling in County Cork.