Ballinora will be under pressure against Cloughduv
THERE will be hopefully exciting championship fare on view in Muskerry during the next week with championship semi-finals down for decision in both hurling and football.
Reigning champions Ballinora could be under pressure at Blarney on Saturday evening when they face Cloughduv who will be well bent on make amends for their semi-final defeat at the hands of the same opponents last season.
Cloughduv secured a resounding victory over Ballincollig in their last championship outing and they have also being displaying good form in the county league. They will consequently enter Saturday’s encounter full of confidence.
Their opponents Ballinora gave competent displays when they overcame the challenges of both Eire Óg and Donoughmore and they will not relinquish their hold on title easily.
Both sides have top class players in their ranks and Cloughduv appear to be particularly strong in attack where Eoghan Clifford, Joe Ryan and Mark Verling are going great guns and others through the field who will make their presence felt are Andrew Cronin, Paul O’Sullivan, Donal Corkery, Aidan Murphy and Liam Long.
Players who are impressing for Ballinora in their outings to date are James Lordan, Conor Brosnan, Padraig Dineen, Michael Murphy, Darragh Holmes, David Howard and Pat Fitton. There will certainly be good talent on display on Saturday in what should be a closely contested game with Cloughdov slightly fancied to have the edge.
On Thursday of next week reigning champions in junior football Kilmurry will be in action in a semi-final encounter with Ballincollig and the former appear to be on course for another final appearance. We will have more comment on that game next week on the day of the contest.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY AUGUST 19
MJK Oils Junior Hurling Championship semi-fial
Ballinora v Cloughduv, Blarney 7:00
Farho under 21 (B) Hurling Championship
Donoughmore v Laochra Óg, Dripsey 6:30
SUNDAY AUGUST 20
Oriel House Hotel Junior (B) Hurling Championship
Cloughduv v Inniscarra, Ovens 12:00