Stiff test awaits Dromtariffe from St Mary’s

TWO of the fancied sides for the Co. Junior B Hurling Championship Dromtariffe and St. Mary’s contest an intriguing encounter at Kilmichael on Saturday.

No doubting Dromtariffe’s superiority on overcoming Bantry Blues in the opening round, Dromtariffe held a great urgency in all departments and hurled with a far greater fervour particularly during the opening and closing quarter.

Key to Dromtariffe’s success were Michael O’Brien, Mikie O’Gorman and Jack Murphy tight and tenacious in defence while Seán Howard, Darren O’Connor and Aaron Daly functioned positively further outfield.

A Howard goal midway through the opening quarter put Dromtariffe in the driving yet at times, it wasn’t a thorough performance with a rash of wides recorded that will need to be corrected.

West Cork opponents St. Marys are regraded from A level and signalled their intent in round 1 on sweeping past Araglen, Indeed, the Ballineen/Enniskeane chalked up an impressive tally to secure a 4-22 to 1-10 triumph.

That indicates, Dromtariffe can expect a competitive challenge and their hopes are dented somewhat on injuries to Dan Dennehy and Denis O’Donoughue. Participation in both the Duhallow JAHL and Co. Junior B league has seen regular competition, that may be good enough to sharpen Dromtariffe nicely ahead of an anticipated close encounter.