In its current format, the Cork Intermediate Championship begins in mid summer.

The two group winners proceed to the knockout phase that culminates with the final match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The teams are ranked in the group stage table by points gained, then scoring difference and then their head-to-head record.

The Evening Echo became the primary sponsors of all Cork hurling and football championships in 2005 and have continued their sponsorship ever since.

[3] Fixtures in the opening rounds of the championship are usually played at a neutral venue that is deemed halfway between the participating teams.

A secondary school teacher by profession, John Lock O'Sullivan (1976-2002) played with the Adrigole club and the Beara divisional team, with whom he won the Cork Senior Championship in 1997.