Kiskeam to face Avondhu and Duhallow meet Muskerry again

TAKING stock of what lies ahead will occupy Duhallow teams following the draws for the 2017 County SFC at the county convention last Sunday.

Kiskeam enter the big stage and make their debut in senior football on a first round clash against Avondhu. Driven on by a fierce determination to succeed, Kiskeam enjoyed a stunning path to land outright victory in the County Premier championship culminating on victory over Fermoy in the decider.

That secures elevation for the small but big hearted club to senior ranks yet they face a tough debut assignment against Avondhu. Backed by a strong Fermoy contingent supported by key players from Mallow, Ballyclogh, Glanworth and Mitchelstown, Avondhu emerged one of the top sides from 2016, easily disposing of Duhallow enroute and only a run of club championship games lessened their capabilities on a defeat to eventual champions Carbery Rangers.

Of course, all teams are guaranteed a second chance as Kiskeam and Avondhu take on the victor/ loser of the UCC v Dohenys or Aghada tussle in round 2.

Meanwhile, Duhallow renew rivalry against familiar opponents and near neighbours Muskerry in what will be the fifth clash between the pair this decade.

From 2010, a seven point victory margin suggested something of a comprehensive 1-14 to 0-10 win for Duhallow but in truth the game remained in doubt up to the concluding stages. That said as the game developed and particularly in the second half, Duhallow offered the more constructive play as they rattled into their Mid Cork opponents with a courageous mix of flair and power.

Muskerry had shaded matters in the opening spell yet either side of the interval, Duhallow rose the tempo of their game with a scoring flourish. In fairness, Muskerry remained in the hunt with a single score dividing the sides in the run for home but any lingering doubts of a revival were extinguished, the game’s only goal surfaced in the 58th min from impressive debutant John Lane.

Twelve months on, Muskerry made light work of Duhallow following a 0-15 to 0-6 opening round triumph at Cloughduv.

All through this contest, the Mid Cork side brought an impressive order and control to their game. And at their productive best, Muskerry parading a strong line up, emerged an impressive sight, moving forward in powerful waves and creating excellent scores.

Suffice to say, this was not one of Duhallow’s better outings. Chasing the game from the outset and though creating an improved impression after the break, their cause was a lost one after faltering adrift by eight points at the break.

Just the minimum separated the pair in 2014, county player Fintan Goold emerged the hero for Muskerry on landing a sublime 63rd min point winner to secure a 0-15 to 0-14 winner at the end of a thrilling County SFC Round 2 (Colleges/Divisional section) at Dromtariffe.

Extra-time loomed, the sides deadlocked only for Goold to hoist over a spectacular stoppage time winner. Though Duhallow mounted a concerted second half comeback, Muskerry rose magnificently to the occasion to kill off the hosts brave challenge.

And when the sides clashed in a round 2 tussle in 2015 at Macroom, a pair of clinically crafted goals in the opening half coupled with a masterly display of point taking from county player Donncha O’Connor guided Duhallow to a 2-17 to 1-14 triumph.

Better composure under pressure and sharper in terms of accuracy from distance proved the difference between the pair. Indeed Duhallow’s huge work ethic and superior movement going forward bore telling scores.

O’Connor led by example, operating a pivotal role at centre forward, the Ballydesmond star emerged as top marksman, some of his 0-10 tally textbook scores from various angles.

That compared to Muskerry, despite their willingness to contest, they rued a failure to covert chances, the statistics revealing, the Mid Cork side shooting eleven wides compared to Duhallow’s four over the full hour.

A big task lies ahead for Duhallow, in 2017, they will be without the services of Kiskeam players.

The winner of Duhallow/ Muskerry encounter Seandun/ St Nicholas in round 2 with the loser tackling Carbery Rangers/ Clonakilty.

Dan Dennehy, Treasurer, Duhallow Junior Board receives sponsorship towards the Kanturk Co-Op Mart Duhallow Junior A Hurling Championship presented by John Cott, Chairman Kanturk Co-Op Mart in the presence of Tony McAulliffe, Secretary Duhallow Junior Board; Joe Noonan, Vice Chairman, Kanturk Co Op Mart; Joe Kearns, Chairman Duhallow Junior Board and Seamus O’Keeffe, Manager, Kanturk Mart. Picture John Tarrant