Under 21 B championship gets underway

THE Central Stores, Kanturk Duhallow Under 21B Football Championship is underway on Sunday on the meeting of Croke Rovers and Boherbue in Kilbrin.

Last season, Duarigle Gaels savoured the taste of outright victory for the first time after overcoming Boherbue in a highly entertaining decider. The Millstreet and Cullen combination dug deep and raised their performance level considerably after a nervous opening 20 minutes saw them trail by two goals that might had been of more significant proportions.

However, the Gaels improved either side of the interval, growing into the ascendancy with an emphatic bounce and territorial dominance to leave a gallant Boherbue trudging wearily on the run for home during the closing 10 minutes.

Boherbue attempt to go one step further this season, though many of last season’s side are overage yet David O’Connor, Bryan Herlihy, C J and Gerry O’Sullivan hold plenty of experience and skill.

Opponents Croke Rovers have performed in the C grade in recent years, volunteering to elevate to B ranks reflects enthusiasm in the camp. Figuring for the Castlenagner and Kilbrin combination are Cillian Buttimer, Eoin O’Mahony, Gearóid Lynes and Brian O’Sullivan.

By virtue of regular competitive action over the past season, Boherbue carry the favourites tag to what is expected to be a tight and interesting affair.

Kanturk and Sliabh Luachra Gaels renew rivalry on Wednesday night, it a repeat to a meeting in the Glenville Tournament a few weeks ago.

Here, staged a terrific second half comeback, putting their shoulder to the wheel and availed of the elements to overturn a six point interval deficit. The closing stages were played out in a welter of excitement, Kanturk finished on the ascendency to kick late points.

Earlier Sliabh Luachra had established a foothold on the proceedings through the honest endeavours of Jack O’Connor, Seán Murphy, Seán Meehan, Maurice and Thomas Casey.

Matters all changed on the restart, Kanturk, favoured by the elements upped their game through the key involvement of Liam Cashman, Eoin Geaney, Daniel O’Connell and Alan Walsh.

Not too much expected between the pair again, Kanturk slightly fancied to succeed in a close encounter.

Elsewhere in the grade, defending holders Duarigle Gaels face Knocknagree next weekend. The C grade involves a round robin featuring Robert Emmets, Lyre, Dromtariffe and St. Peters.