Stern test awaits Kanturk
THE meeting of Kanturk and Castlelyons offers an appealing confrontation in the County Premier IHC at Castletownroche on Sunday evening.
After landing the ordinary IHC grade in 2013, Kanturk enjoyed a productive run on their debutant seasion in the higher ranks, putting paid to the hopes of more experienced opponents in Blarney, Tracton and Kilworth before relenting to Newcestown in a semi-final.
That’s sure to lend encouragement to Kanturk when they tackling a strong Castlelyons on Sunday. The Duhallow side delivered creditable performances over recent years, not least on bettering Éire Óg to claim outright IHC accolades.
Castlelyons attempt to revive the memories of the past, winners of the County JAHC in 1997 and followed up to add the County IHC the following year on a win over Killeagh.
Indeed, Castlelyons were ever close to returning to senior ranks in 2013, defeated by fellow Imokilly side Youghal in the County Premier decider.
Kanturk’s league form is pretty good, two wins from two starts in Division 3, Opponents Castlelyons operate at a higher level, four wins, one draw from six outings.
Indeed, wins on the bounce is encouraging against Kildorrery, Watergrasshill, Éire Óg and Charleville.
It’s fair to say that Premier hurling grade is the most competitive of all, Kanturk will need to be at their sharpest no easy game for round 2 opponents for the loser is a clash against Bandon or Courcey Rovers.
Dromtariffe and Lismire hit the trail in the County Junior B Hurling Championship over the weekend. A trip to Ballyclough sees Dromtariffe encounter Ballinacurra on Sunday.
Dromtariffe looking to build from involvement in the Duhallow Junior A league. Last season,a similar campaign stood well for Dromtariffe, enjoying a productive run to overcome Iveleary twice in addition to wins over Killavulen and Rathpeacon. That placed Dromtariffe in the decider against Ballyclough over two games.
From a drawn encounter, Dromtariffe more than held their own to force a replay where Ballyclough’s experience kicked to land the spoil. That campaign should stand to Dromtariffe yet Ballinacura are one of the leading lights, defeatd by Ballyclough in a quarter final last season.
Lismire hope for a good run on a clash against Laochra Óg in Banteer on Saturday. From the 2014 campaign, Lismire bettered Carbery Rangers in round 1, only to falter to Iveleary next time out.