Kanturk face bogey side Castlelyons

KANTURK make their first foray into the 2017 County Premier IHC on a meeting against Castlelyons. At the same stage two seasons ago Kanturk faltered to the East Cork opponents who drew on all their experience to quell the Duhallow side’s challenge.

A terrific encounter was diminished somewhat by a shoulder injury to inter county player Lorcán McLoughlin midway through the opening half. For a lengthy time, the setback failed to hinder Kanturk to challenge seriously for the spoils yet with the game up for grabs, the Duhallow side lacked penetration to counter Castlelyons momentum that yielded four consecutive points to put a degree of daylight between the pair at the close of business.

Subsequently, Kanturk through the back door, bettered Bandon and Fermoy (both 2016 finalists) only to come up short to Valley Rovers in a replay. Not the greatest of 2016 campaigns for Kanturk, defeated by Cloyne and Kilworth before overcoming Tracton in a relegation playoff.

Whatever the outcome between Kanturk and Castlelyons, Charleville or Fr O’Neills will provide the opposition in round 2.

Again the ordinary intermediate grade features a massive entry, some 27 teams involved next season.

Meelin enjoyed a decent run from 2016, only to succumb to Aghada as they look ahead to an encounter against the winners of Éire Óg/Kildorrery preliminary round game, the victors advance to meet Blackrock or Na Piarsaigh with a bye to round 3 for the loser.