Boherbue open title defence
DEFENDING holders Boherbue open their Duhallow Under 21 AFC campaign against Robert Emmets in a repeat to last season’s decider in Boherbue on Saturday.
Again Boherbue are again amongst the front runners, the experience of sampling an outright triumph over the Newmarket and Lismire combination in last season’s decider is sure to instil confidence into the side.
On doing so, Boherbue collected only their second title in the grade, adding to the previous outright win in 1987. Putting together a well organised and efficient team performance, Boherbue tackled their task with great enthusiasm to pull through and collect the silverware.
Indeed the finer aspects saw the good epitomised by the structure Boherbue brought to the tussle, operating a plan to limit the threat of a dangerous Emmets attack. On doing so, Boherbue deployed a defensive approach to frustrate their opponents and break with telling effect and pounce for key scores.
Much of last season’s Boherbue side remain involved, Adrian Murphy, Stephen Ahern, Bryan Herlihy, David and Andrew O’Connor bring plenty of experience to the line up.
Emmets will boost a line up of Aidan Browne, Eoghan O’Connell, Jamie Hayes, Michael Cottrell and Conor O’Keeffe. By virtue of entering the fray as reigning holders, Boherbue carry the favourites tag to what is expected to be a tight affair.
Meanwhile, Kanturk and Millstreet revive memories from recent years with Kanturk at home. The host side can avail of plenty of experience, looking to the guidance of Darren Browne, Barry Kenneally, Cian Clernon and the Walsh brothers for encouragement.
Opponents Millstreet disappointed last season, keen to deliver a promising showing, they will be spearhead by the encouragement of Cathal Crowley, Danny Buckley, Darren Kiely, Tomas Sheehan and the Hickey brothers. However, Kanturk boosting players that helped secure back to back county league titles can avail of home advantage to succeed.
At B level, holders Kiskeam face St. Peters in Kiskeam on Friday night, the reigning champions can boost of a skilful side with senior players Adrian Carroll, Kieran O’Connor and Sean O’Sullivan supported by Shane Carroll, Shane Breen and Eoin O’Leary. Key to St Peter’s game are Daniel O’Callaghan, Joe O’Sullivan, Shane Geaney, Dean Collins and James Forrest.
The prospect of a close tussle where home advantage may swing it in favour of Kiskeam. On Sunday, Croke Rovers welcome Dromtariffe to Castlemagner. The Castlemagner and Kilbrin combination can avail of James Sherlock, Conor Glavin, Tim Murphy, Michéal Sheahan and Shane Fitzgerald to their starting side.
Dromtariffe relinquished their 2015 title to Kiskeam but return with another strong line up comprising Gavin O’Keeffe, Seán Howard, Mark O’Connor, Jack and Evan Murphy. The tendency is to believe Dromtariffe can get over the finishing line.