Camogie, ladies football and divisional final on the menu
With the clubs in both codes on a welcome break after a few hectic weeks, it’s a quiet weekend before the group stages come to a conclusion in the next few weeks.
There is one big game on Sunday night, while there’s plenty of important games in the camogie and ladies football championship scheduled, although Electric Picnic means they are mostly midweek.
Co-Op Superstores Divisional and Colleges Section Final
Imokilly v Muskerry on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7pm
“We know we are really up against a very good team; they are after all the reigning champions but look we will go down and give it our best shot and that is all you can do,” said Muskerry manager Diarmuid Kirwan on Sunday’s game.
It’s a repeat of last year’s final in which Imokilly won comfortably and the manner in which they dispatched Avondhu in their semi-final would suggest they are once again serious contenders even if they have lost a few players from that winning team.
Speaking after that win their manager Denis Ring said they were wary of the North Cork division. “I had seen them play and they were very impressive and we did not for once underestimate them and needed to play well to win, and we did.”
The champions have a wealth of talent at their disposal among them Ciarán Joyce, Diarmuid Healy, Mike Kelly, Eoin Davis and Brian Lawton, while Seamus Harnedy has yet to feature but could be available for this game.
Getting the balance right between games with their clubs is the key as Denis Ring explains. “We get together every Monday night and depending on club activity that will determine our session, but in fairness the lads buy in and are conscious of representing the division and that makes everyone’s job easier.”
Muskerry’s preparation has been limited according to their manager Diarmuid Kirwan. Preparation has been “difficult enough with us being a dual division. Most of our lads were playing football at the weekend so we might just get one session in this week but that’s always been the case.”
The fact that the following weekend is the final round of games in the group stages of the club section in hurling also needs to be factored in, it’s the same of course for Imokilly. “Yeah but we knew that a few weeks ago and there is little can be done about it.”
Diarmuid was full of praise for the clubs that have bought into the team effort: “Ah look they have been excellent, very proud to wear the Muskerry jersey, and while we haven’t had the Ballincollig players yet hopefully they might be available for Sunday.”
This is their 4th game and they have played well in the other three. “We have got the job done but we know exactly that we are moving up a class on Sunday. Naturally the lads will give it their best shot and that is all you can ask for.”
Colm O’Callaghan, Matthew Bradley, William Aherne, James Foley and James Lane impressed in the win over UCC but even if they are as good again it’s hard to see the Mid-Cork division reversing last year’s result and the champions look set to progress to the quarter-finals and could do so with a bit to spare.
SE Systems Senior Camogie Championship
There were no real surprises in the opening round of games and with round 2 games in the coming days, the various groups will begin to take shape.
There are two games tonight (Thursday) in MTU. It’s Glen Rovers who impressed in their win over Courcey Rovers taking on Cloughduv who also won first time out against Ballinora.
Emma Murphy, Leanne O’Sullivan, Katie Walsh, Tara McCarthy, Denise Luby and Sarah Murphy were pivotal in Glen’s win, while Ciara O’Leary, Amy Sheppard, Niamh Mac Nabola and Emma O’Sullivan impressed for Cloughduv, this could be close but with a bit more experience, the Glen get the nod.
The two defeated sides in this group go head to head in Castle Road, Ballinora and Courceys and another loss will practically end their chances of progressing from the group, so there’s a lot at stake and maybe enough in Ballinora to win.
Both games are at 7pm.
On Saturday in Castle Road at 4pm, Sars who easily accounted for Killeagh in their opener will be odds on to make it two from two when they play Éire Óg.
While on Monday in Newcestown at 7pm it’s the meeting of Muskerry and Carbery with the latter favoured to win.
Cork Credit Unions Ladies Football Senior Championship
The group stages continue with 4 games on tonight (Thursday) all at 7pm.
In group 1 O’Donovan Rossa have won their two games to date and travel to Rostellan to play the reigning champions Aghada. This will test them as Aghada had an easy win in their opener.
The other game here is the West Cork derby of Clonakilty v Castlehaven with the latter having home advantage. Both have yet to pick up a point so that will change after this game.
Group 2 has Mourneabbey on top with 2 wins from 2 and they have a bye this week, so Éire Óg will join them at the top if as expected they beat pointless Kinsale in Ovens, while Rathcormac hosts an East Cork derby between Bride Rovers and Glanmire - who if they win will make it a three way tie at the top of the table.
Pat Ryan
Pat’s decision not to accept another term as Cork Senior Hurling Manager brings the curtain down, for now at least, on a remarkable contribution to Cork hurling as a player and manager.
In the last 5 years he has been at the helm in under 20 and senior and brought tremendous success to the Rebel County and while the ultimate accolade eluded him twice that should not take from his achievements and the manner in which the team generated a huge surge in support.
Who will forget the Saturday nights down the Páirc wet and windy and over 22,000 in attendance for league games.
The dramatic Limerick game last year, filling Croke Park for 2 All-Ireland semi-finals, one against Dublin when there was at least 60,000 Rebel supporters in attendance.
It is well documented how difficult a year it has been for Pat and his family, but at all times he carried himself with dignity and pride.
On my own behalf just like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Pat and indeed his management team for the courtesy and co-operation at all times in victory or defeat it was really appreciated.
For now Pat can enjoy a well earned break but knowing the man’s love of hurling, I am sure it won’t be too long before he will be back striding up and down the sideline for his beloved club Sars.
Thanks Pat.
State of play
The McCarthy Insurance Group 2nd round games in the Football Championship revealed a lot especially in the top grade with most of the play-offs places decided.
There is of course still a lot to play for in the final round of games in 3 weeks time, especially for clubs bidding to avoid the dreaded relegation battle.
As it stands across the 5 grades, 11 clubs are guaranteed knockout football in the coming weeks, plenty more have the opportunity to join them by winning while others are dependent on results elsewhere to extend their season.
For 11 others, their championship ambitions are over for another year and now it’s a fight for survival.