Duhallow fancied to get the better of Seandún in County SFC opener
DUHALLOW return to the County senior football championship campaign on a Round 1 engagement against Seandún in Mallow on Tuesday night.
Poor weather, early start and a lack of competitive games make it difficult for preparations yet a dedicated Duhallow panel have been drawn up and a positive response is evident from a number of get togethers.
Management-wise, there is some change, manager Padraig Kearns joined by James Condon (Glanworth), Frank Flannery (Carrigtwohill), Kieran Fitzgerald (Kanturk) and Dermot Hickey (Rockchapel).
Both Duhallow and Seandún are well acquainted on meeting for the third consecutive season. The pairing recalls a clash from 2016 where in a game of two contrasting halves, Duhallow romped home convincing winners.
Just two points separated the pair at the end of the opening period but once Duhallow got into their stride after the break on favoured by the elements, they showed they had far too many weapons in their armoury.
And when the sides met last summer, once Duhallow opened up the Seandún defence on three occasions during the opening quarter to bag a trio of goals , there was an inevitability about the outcome.
For the majority of the hour, Duhallow dominated the proceedings and always looked far sharper and more effective both in defence and attack. Credit Seandun, though conceding major scores, they battled hard and fair to put up a decent score yet found themselves under the cosh against a committed Duhallow.
The starting Duhallow side is unclear but newcomers in a possible line up include Pa Doyle, Gary O’Connor, Eoin McSweeney and Fintan O’Connor from All-Ireland Junior Club champions Knocknagree and Paul Walsh (Kanturk).
Elsewhere, Anthony O’Connor captains the side while John McLoughlin, Donncha O’Connor and Seamus Hickey bring experience to the table.
For their part, Seandún can take plenty of heart from a good win over St. Nicks in the opening round last year. With players drawn from St. Michaels, Mayfield, St. Vincent, Delanys, Brian Dillons and Passage, the Seandún game plan won’t be broken too easily.
It’s all about winning and if Duhallow can make the most to any spells of dominance that arise, they look well equipped to come through to a second round clash against UCC or Carbery seven days later. FRIDAY, MARCH 16
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Ballydesmond v Lyre,Ballydesmond 8pm
Ducon Cup
Kiskeam v Boherbue, Kiskeam 7.30pm
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Twohigs Super Valu 2017 League Final Replay
Dromtariffe v Kilbrin, Meelin, 12 noon
Junior A Hurling League
Castlemagner v Freemount, Castlemagner 12 noon
SUNDAY, MARCH 18
Junior A Hurling League
Newmarket v Banteer, Banteer 3pm
MONDAY, MARCH 19
U21 BFC
Kanturk v Dromtariffe, Kanturk 4pm
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County SFC
Duhallow v Seandun, Mallow 7.45pm
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
County SHC
Duhallow v Avondhu, Mourneabbey 7.45pm
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
U21CFC
Ballydesmond v Croke Rovers, Ballydesmond 8pm
Ducon Cup
Knocknagree v Kiskeam, Knocknagree 8pm
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JBFL
St Johns v Cullen, TBC
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Twohigs Super Valu JAHL
Castlemagner v Kilbrin, Castlemagner 2pm Freemount v Dromtariffe, Freemount 2pm Newmarket v Millstreet, Newmarket 2pm