Castlemagner and Cullen seek win in JAFC opener

WITH the E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Dealer Duhallow Junior A Football Championship up and running, this Saturday’s fare centres on the meeting of Cullen and Castlemagner in Banteer.

It’s a new look Championship, just five teams involved, a round robin prevails, all teams will play a minimum of four games. From the opener tie, champions Boherbue had to put all hands to the pump to grab a narrow win over Lyre in a competitive contest that augurs well for the remainder of the campaign.

Much the same can be expected to the Castlemagner and Cullen tussle, both out of the limelight. The sides clashed in a semi final three years ago where Cullen summoned up every ounce of their experience and conviction to thwart a late Castlemagner charge.

Last season, Cullen relented to Dromtariffe in another semi final, the concession of a second half goals proved the essential difference between the sides. Early season form is pretty mixed for Cullen, faltering to Lyre in the Ducon Cup.

Their line is a mix of young talent and experience, Dermot Hickey, Jerry O’Connor and the Twomey brothers joined by U-21 players Cormac Hickey, Francis Cronin, Colin Walsh and Michael Twomey. Opponents Castlemagner are undergoing a transition, retirements robbing the side of key personnel. Still, they are capable of playing attractive football through the involvement of James Sherlock, Seán Falvey, Jack Cott and the Murphy brothers.

Both sides could benefit from more competitive game, whatever, the outcome here, the two will remain involved with various rounds pencilled at intervals up to August. On paper, Cullen look better equipped to get off to a winning start.

As teams mull over championship engagements, the Donagh Hickey Motors Duhallow Cup brings together premier, intermediate and Junior A football sides in a competitive atmosphere in a knockout competition. Two of the heavyweights Kiskeam and Knocknagree go head to head on Tuesday evening at Cullen.

Kiskeam come into the contest after producing an impressive display to power past Mallow in the opening round to the Co. SFC while Knocknagree are unbeaten in competitive fare to reach the Tom Creedon Cup Final and top the County FL Division 4. A fascinating contest looks in propect, both teams are certain to be close to full strength with little or nothing likely to separate the pair.

Elsewhere, Duhallow JAFC winners Boherbue tackle Rockchapel with County Premier IFC side Newmarket face Ballydesmond, Meanwhile, Dromtariffe and Millstreet have decided to double up their County IFC fixture with the victor advancing in the Duhallow Cup.

The All Ireland Senior Scór Finals take place in Castlebar on this Saturday, Duhallow represented by Muireann Vaughan (Kanturk) at solo singing and the Millstreet Quiz team.