Mallow fancied to get better of Tracton

the Carrigaline game, and he’s going to be a big loss, but, against that, Tracton will be minus former Kerry senior Shane Brick, who has retired, from last year’s side.

Brick was Tracton’s talismanic attacker, and, in his absence, they were forced to rely largely on Ronan Walsh’s free-taking expertise for penetration against Ballinhassig.

Verdict: Mallow with every chance of turning the tables on Valley Rovers, who proved no match for Newcestown in last year’s county final.

Sean O’Donoghue, Stephen Olden, Tomas O’Connor, Aidan O’Mahony, Colm Casey and Dan O’Connell were hugely impressive in Inniscarra’s win over Castleyons and should they make a similar impact it could spell trouble for a tender-aged Valley Rovers outfit.

Verdict: Inniscarra Charleville in the decider, and a first round defeat by St Finbarr’s second team suggests they are unlikely to make a similar impact this season.

Maybe Grenagh were caught on the hop by Dripsey last year, but they were by no means impressive in their opening two games against Ballymartle’s second string, which they won by a point, and Kilbrittain, which they lost by a goal.

Add in the local derby element and this is obviously an extremely difficult game to call.

Verdict: Grenagh

With Kildorrery running Fermoy to three points in Round 4 tie last year, the indications are they there isn’t a whole lot between these sides, but, with three games under the belt, Mayfield might be in better shape to put their best foot forward.

Verdict: Mayfield RELEGATED to intermediate two years ago, Glenville enjoyed a decent run in 2015 before eventual title-winners Fermoy put paid to their hopes of regaining premier status at the first attempt in Round 4.

They lost their opening game by five points against Glanworth this season, but they got back to winning ways against Youghal last time out, which is bound to leave them in a positive frame of mind ahead of this clash with Mitchelstown, who were well beaten by Kanturk in their previous outing.

Still, Glenville will be handicapped by the absence of their influential midfielder Kevin O’Neill, who has sustained a season-ending injury, and Mitchelstown would be quite capable of putting them to the sword, especially if their ace attacker Shane Beston strikes top form.

Verdict: Glenville