Opening tests for Duhallow clubs in County IFC

THE ordinary county intermediate football championship continues with Kanturk, Rockchapel and Ballydesmond involved in key duels against Mitchelstown, Adrigole and St. Finbarrs. Interestingly, should Kanturk and Rockchapel register wins or if both lose, the pair would meet in a round 2 duel.

The 2014 and 2016 county finalists Rockchapel face Adrigole at Inchigeela on Saturday. 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. Another season beckons, Rockchapel square up to Adrigole, who incurred losses to Ballydesmond and Aghabullogue last season.

Rockchapel may be without a number of players from last season including the injured John O’Callaghan yet they will fancy their chances of overcoming the Beara representatives.

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

To their credit, Kanturk have used outright victories in the County Football Leagues Division 3 and 4 to gain experience and now operate in Division 2, that’s bound to sharper their game to a side that will feature Duhallow players Lorcan O’Nell, John McLoughlin, Aidan and Paul Walsh.

Ballydesmond square up to St. Finbarrs in Castlemagner on Sunday in the hope of jumping the opening hurdle.

They did so last season, a spirited Ballydesmond revival mounted a terrific comeback to thwart Adrigole to a closely fought tussle.

Subsequently, Millstreet and eventual champions Bandon put a stop to Ballydesmond’s gallop, they look to Donncha O’Connor for encouragement with Cork minor panellist Dara Moynihan expected to make his championship debut.

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. Its a difficult assignment for Ballydesmond, whatever the outcome, second round opponents are either Youghal or Aghabullogue.