Vital weekend ahead in hurling championships
In the build up to the opening round of any championship all managers will say ‘it’s vital you win your first game’ now ahead of Rd 2, that could very well be: ‘if we don’t win this one we are effectively out of the championship’.
It’s not really the case, as some teams on 2 points have progressed, but a 2nd defeat adds that extra bit of pressure.
Premier Senior
Group 1
The expectation from this group was that both Glen Rovers and Sars would emerge as the top two and the opening round of games has done little to alter that.
Glen Rovers v Fr O’Neill’s on Sunday in Midleton at 7.30pm
Glen were comfortable winners over Erin’s Own in round 1 while O’Neill’s were comprehensively beaten by Sars so the East Cork side badly need to win this one to keep their season alive.
Declan Dalton picked up an injury in that game and might be a doubt, and he would be a huge loss.
The start Glen made against Erin’s Own ensured the outcome was never in doubt and if they play as well again especially Eoin and Robert Downey, Liam Coughlan, Eoin O’Leary and Michael Mullins they should secure their place in the knockout phase with a game to spare.
Sarsfields v Erin’s Own on Saturday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7pm
Local derbies at times can be hard to call and this one falls into this category, even if the Munster champions are overwhelming favourites to make it two from two. The Caherlag lads will look to start much better than they did against Glen, but even without a few key players for their opener, Sars looked impressive and if Jack O’Connor, Cathal McCarthy and Daniel Hogan play as well as we know they can they should and probably will win.
Group 2
Newtownshandrum v Charleville in Milford on Sunday at 3.30pm
This could very well be the game of the weekend as Newtown look to bounce back from their 1st round loss but they will find this one very difficult as Charleville easily took care of Newcestown who are hard to beat. No doubt Tim O’Mahony and Cormac O’Brien will rally the Newtown cause but that might not even be enough to deny Charleville a 2nd win.
Midleton v Newcestown on Saturday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 5.15pm
Without playing as well as they are capable of, Midleton always looked in command against Newtown, while the opposite was the case for Newcestown in their loss to Charleville. Tommy O’Connell, Conor Lehane, Ross O’Regan and Luke O’Farrell played big roles in that victory a repeat performance should be enough for another win.
Group 3
This is the one group that might not be decided until the final round of games so a lot at stake this weekend.
Blackrock v St Finbarr’s on Friday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7.30pm
The winners will advance and the Barr’s even without Brian Hayes easily saw off Douglas, while Blackrock did enough to get the better of Kanturk.
The sight of the other in the opposite corner always adds an extra dimension to their meetings and this will be no different; they also met in the group stages last year and the ‘Rockie’s prevailed.
Quality players on both sides, William Buckey, Ben Cunningham, Ethan Twomey and Billy Hennessey for the ‘Barrs with Alan Connolly, John Cashman, Robbie Cotter and Gavin Connolly for the ‘Rockies. Never easy to call games between these great rivals - this could end up as a draw, but a slight nod to the ‘Barr’s.
Douglas v Kanturk on Saturday in Castletownroche at 6.30pm
The losers of this game will be effectively out of the championship especially if there’s a conclusive result in the Barr’s v Rockie’s game so a lot at stake here. Tommy Walsh’s suspension, and a couple of others out with injuries will not help Kanturk’s cause and if Alan Cadogan, Mark Howell and Shane Kingston can put the ‘Barr’s loss behind them, they will win and keep their season alive.
Senior A Hurling Championship
Group 1
Killeagh v Fermoy on Friday in Ballynoe at 7pm
The big win after a cracking game against Na Piarsaigh for Killeagh sets them up nicely for this one as Fermoy lost their opener. Barry and Ben Walsh are key for the East Cork side and if they are on form Killeagh will win and advance to the knockouts.
Na Piarsaigh v Carrigtwohill on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 4pm
A huge game for Na Piarsaigh who must win to keep them in contention; Carrig had a good league campaign and backed it up with an excellent win over Fermoy, they are well capable of winning this one, but the northside club will test them and with a lot at stake could shade this one.
Group 2
Inniscarra v Bishopstown on Saturday at 6.30pm in Ballymaw
Sean O’Donoghue was in fine form for Inniscarra in their win over Ballyhea, while Bishopstown tested Castlelyons for long periods before losing out. The odds favour Inniscarra winning this one.
Castlelyons v Ballyhea on Saturday at 6.30pm in Kildorrery
Semi-finalists last year, the East Cork side have a lot of injury concerns but dug out a good win last time out and will be expected to make it two from two here.
Group 3
Bride Rovers v Courcey Rovers on Friday at 7.30pm in Riverstown
Courcey’s were involved in a thriller with Watergrasshill in the 1st round before losing out narrowly and will need to be as good again this time as the Rovers were excellent in dismantling a fancied Blarney side. Brian and Eoin Roche along with Adam Walsh were key players in that win and if this trio are not contained, Courcey’s will struggle.
Blarney v Watergrasshill on Saturday at 6.30pm in Grenagh
Runners-up for the last two years, Blarney’s season is very much on the line in this game where a defeat will effectively end their season; they will need huge games from Mark Coleman and Shane Barrett. The ‘Hill had a great win in round 1 with Sean Desmond, Shane O’Regan and Aaron Spriggs in top form. This has the makings of a cracker and based on their opening round, last year’s Premier Intermediate champs could maintain their impressive championship winning run.
Premier Intermediate Championship
This is a very competitive championship and has produced some interesting results already in the 1st round, expect the same this weekend.
Group 1
Cloyne caused a huge surprise by defeating Carrigaline and will fancy their chances of getting a 2nd win when they play another south-east club Ballymartle, while Éire Óg and Carrigaline will battle to keep their ambitions alive. Wins for Ballymartle and Carrigaline.
Group 2
Castlemartyr’s defeat by Kilworth has thrown this group wide open and they will look to get back on track when they play Ballinhassig who impressed in beating the Ronan Curran-coached Ballincollig. Ballincollig themselves face Kilworth - always a very hard side to beat - and in a very tight group all 4 could be on 2 points at the end of this round. Wins for Ballincollig and Castlemartyr.
Group 3
The big game here is the meeting of Valley Rovers and Dungourney winners in round 1, so whoever wins this one will be guaranteed knockout hurling. Mallow and Lisgoold are fighting for championship survival. Wins for Valley Rovers and Lisgoold.
Intermediate A Championship
Group 1
Russell Rovers v Mayfield and Midleton v Bandonwins for Russell Rovers and Bandon
Group 2
Sarsfields v Blackrock and Youghal v Aghbullogue-wins for Sars and Aghabullogue
Group 3
This group is slightly complicated by the decision to replay the Kildorrery v Aghada game over a scoring error and that game will take place on Saturday 30.
Erin’s Own v Aghada and Kildorrery v Ballygiblin-wins for Aghada and Ballygiblin.
Premier Junior
Group 1
Glen Rovers v St Finbarrs and St Catherines v Meelin
Wins for Glen Rvs and St Catherines.
Group 2
Cloughduv v Kilbrittain and Nemo Rgs v Barryroe
Wins for Cloughduv and Nemo Rgs.
Group 3
Tracton v Ballygarvan and Milford v Argideen Rgs
Wins for Tracton and Milford.
Heartbreak for camogie team
In the end, the 3 in a row dream died at the hands of a very good Galway side, but what a heroic 2nd half by the 14 players in red with some terrible calls by the referee, who overall had a poor day.
Hannah Looney saw red on 31 minutes which was probably right, but did the foul on Amy O’Connor by Aoife O’Donoghue in the 8th minute not warrant a similar colour card? There was a blatant push on Cork goalkeeper Amy Lee ignored and Galway get a point, and they win by 1.
The winning free was very debateable, while in the 3rd minute of added time Clodagh Finn was pushed in the back right in front of the goal and he waved play on. This may sound like sour grapes but when you work hard all year all you want is fair play. Galway were also on the wrong end of a few of Heffernan’s mistakes, but the ones against Ger Manley’s side decided the game.
Cork can feel proud of their display and while they are hurting now, they will I am sure comeback stronger, and thanks to the players and mentors for their co-operation all year it was very much appreciated.
The SE Systems County Championship will get underway this weekend. It gets underway on Friday night in Castle Road where Carbery meet Seandun at 7.30pm. There are three more games on Wednesday: Aghabullouge v Éire Óg in Blarney, St Finbarr’s v Blackrock in Castle Road and St Catherine’s v Inniscarra in Watergrasshill - all at 7.30pm.
Ladies Football Senior Championship
The group stages also start this weekend. On Sunday in Group 1, it’s Castlehaven at home to St Val’s and an all-West Cork clash of Clonakilty and O’Donovan Rossa in Clonakilty - both at 12pm. Champions Aghada have a bye. In Group 2 it’s Éire Óg will be at home to Glanmire at 12pm, while Mourneabbey travel to play Kinsale for a 1pm start. Bride Rovers have a bye.