Kanturk and Ballinhassig clash in Premier semi-final
KANTURK return to action on a clash against Ballinhassig in a semi final clash to the County Premier IHC at Pairc Uí Rinn on this Saturday evening.
So far, so good for the pair in a hotly competitive championship, both sides have progressed in a brisk manner to beat off formidable opponents and go in search of a semi final date with Mallow or Cloyne.
Kanturk got off to a promising start, bettering Castlelyons first time out, that win compensated for a loss to the East Cork side two years previously. And Kanturk hit the winning trail on a four point win over Charleville with an all important goal decided the outcome. The nature of the draw to a complicated championship saw to it that both Kanturk and Charleville met again three weeks later in a quarter final.
Hurling with far more aggression, Kanturk’s play had a greater flavour to it, their stickwork and sharper combined play proved the key factors where Darren Browne, Lorcán McLoughlin, Aidan Walsh and the O’Keeffe brothers stood out.
A similiar unbeaten journey for Ballinhassig, no strangers to sampling success in the grade, bettering Aghada and Bandon to lift county titles in 2005 and 2012. A strong comeback earned a four point victory ovrer Inniscarra, followed by a good win over Carrigaline in the Carrigdhoun derby.
Gathering momentum, Ballinhassig continued on their win over 2016 County Intermediate champions Fr. O’Neills.
Ballinhassig are backboned by the Collins brothers with Ed Finn, Donncha O’Donovan, Shane McCarthy and Fintan O’Leary holders of inter county experience at underage level.
The quality, power and fluency of the play of both Kanturk and Ballinhassig in their previous assignments ensures confidence is really high in both camps. It all adds up to the prospect of a mighty battle, experience will install Ballinhassig as favourites.
However if Aidan Walsh can fight off injury, Kanturk are well capable of advancing to county final day.