Beaten 2016 IFC finalists Rockchapel face Adrigole

THE county intermediate football championship threw up some interesting duels for local clubs with 2014/16 finalists Rockchapel drawn to face Adrigole first time out. Though defeated by Éire Óg in 2014, Rockchapel bounced back and can be described as somewhat unlucky against Bandon in the 2016 decider. Crucially, Bandon enjoyed a flourish midway through the second half to sway the outcome.

As another season beckons, Rockchapel square up to Adrigole, who incurred losses to Ballydesmond and Aghabullogue last season. On going form, Rockchapel will be confident of advancing to meet the winners of Kanturk or Mitchelstown.

The latter promise an inviting clash, the pair keen to improve on a somewhat below par 2016 campaigns. Kanturk prospects took a hammer blow against Cill na Martra and Mitchelstown operated second best to eventual champions Bandon.

Bandon also put a stop to Ballydesmond’s gallop who encounter St. Finbarrs in round 1. The city side fell narrowly to Millstreet in a quarter final and their second string side will be formidable during the early stages to a new championship. Second round opponents are either Youghal or Aghabullogue.

Millstreet enjoyed a decent run in 2016, wins recorded over Aghabullogue, Ballydesmond and St. Finbarrs before relenting to Rockchapel. And they face a tough task in the upcoming campaign against 2015 finalists Mayfield.

Returning to intermediate status in 2015 for the first time since 1997, Millstreet faced a tough baptism of fire following defeats to Glenville, Ballydesmond and Kinsale. However the losing sequence ended on a productive run this season.

Mayfield are sure to offer a stern test, their record against Duhallow teams pretty good yet their hopes of outright victory last season faltered on a loss to Fermoy after a replay.