Millstreet and Kanturk to bounce back

MILLSTREET and Kanturk convene at Castlemagner on Monday evening in a bid to erase disappointing reversals to the opening round to the E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Duhallow JAHC.

From a knock-out Round 2 contest, Kanturk hope to improve from an inconsistent hour’s hurling against a Newmarket side that emerged the superior team in all department.

A second string Kanturk struggled for long stages to match the teamwork and the individual skills of the opposing side and the issue was more or less settled on enjoying a twelve-point advantage at the break.

For a spell, Kanturk created some impression from the pursuits of Chris Mullane, Donough Duane, Kevin Smith and Conor O’Donoughue. Meanwhile for a lengthy spell, Millstreet bothered Banteer in a cracking first round yet the concession of goals during the second half decided the outcome.

They brought a spirited response, the more eager side when Jamie Kelleher pounced for a well taken goal. Millstreet brought a positive dimension to their game per the contributions of David Barrett, Darren Kiely, Thomas Walsh and Michael Vaughan yet wayward shooting limited progress before being reeled in by the defending champions.

Again, doubts surround the availability of Mark Ellis to Millstreet.Kanturk are capable of making an impression yet Millstreet are fancied to succeed. The meeting of holders Banteer and Kilbrin on Wednesday evening is a repeat to last season’s decider.

Here Banteer halted a dismal run against their great opponents, a tight defensive display, efficient grafting at midfield and sweet finishing allowed Banteer battle tenaciously all through to secure a spirited triumph and end an eleven year barren run to claim the John Joe Brosnan Cup.

Last week, the champions were troubled by Millstreet before they dug their heels and finished in style and an all important late goal from Kevin Tarrant snatched the dividends. The input of the Kearney brothers in addition to the support play of Colm Coughlan, David Murphy and Luke Philpott proved key to a strong Banteer finish.

Kilbrin’s ability to convert goal scoring opportunities at key stages proved crucial for their opening round win over Freemount. Once the game settled into a pattern, Kilbrin began to dominate under the guidance of Thomas O’Reilly, William Egan, Con Carroll and Niall Field.

Goals from Eoin Sheahan, Carroll and Shane Crowley in the opening half laid the groundwork for an impressive win. Not too much will separate this pair, at the end of the day, it may take something special to divide the duo for what promises to be a lively encounter.