Kanturk face Sars test
Kanturk v Sarsfields
KANTURK paired against Sarsfields is a difficult assignment yet the Duhallow side will relish the opportunity of taking on one of the big guns.
Having elevated to senior ranks for 2018, Kanturk endured a series of disappointments, that compared to the early weeks of last year when Kanturk secured All Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship silverware in Croke Park on a never to be forgotton day.
With just a few weeks to recover, Kanturk elevated to senior status and come championship, they came out second best against Newtownshandrum in the opening round.
Into Round 2, the clash of Bishopstown and Kanturk meant a fight for survival, an all out effort was required and it was certainly forthcoming from a more experienced Bishopstown. Injuries hampered Kanturk’s preparations, no doubting Bishopstown’s superiority, Kanturk found it difficult to create inroads, not helped by wayward shooting.
Subsequently, Kanturk bounced back from previous disappointments to ease past Killeagh in a relegation playoff, victory here is sure to instil confidence into a fresher Kanturk for a new season that involves a tough opening round assignment against Sarsfields.
Not surprisingly, Kanturk’s form in the league is mixed, without their county players, they incurred losses to Bride Rovers, Blackrock and Killegh. After three games, Kanturk were anchored at the bottom of the Division 1 table yet with a far stronger side on duty on previously unbeaten league leaders Na Piarsaigh, Kanturk delivered their best performance of the season to record a nine point triumph.
Aidan Walsh returned for the Na Piarsaigh game but Kanturk are concerned on injuries to Ryan and Paul Walsh. Still with the likes of Anthony Nash, Darren Browne, Lorcan McLoughlin and Liam O’Keeffe involved, Kanturk present a formidable line up.
Last season, Sarsfields accounted for Ballyhea and Carrigtwohill only to falter to UCC in a quarter final. This season, Wexford recruit Eoin Quigley has joined team management, from five league games played, wins over Ballymartle, Glen Rovers and Bride Rovers were offset by a draw with Midleton and a defeat to neighbours Erins Own.
The Kearney brothers, William and Daniel are familiar names with Cork u21 players from last season Eoghan Murphy, Liam Healy and Aaron Myers also figuring. A new and more compact championship is confirmed for 2020 with 12 teams involved, a win in round 1 or 2 will be important for participating clubs in the current campaign thus adding to the intrigue of the current championship.
Kanturk enter this contest as outsiders, a rating, they will relish in search of creating a surprise. With a near full complement of players, Kanturk are well capable of turning up the power to provide the prospect of a closely contested tangle.
Still, given their success over the past decade with three outright titles to their credit, Sars wear the mantle of favourites and may edge a close contest.
Verdict: Sarsfields