Under-21 football championship up and running
THE Central Stores, Kanturk Duhallow U21B Football Championship is underway over the coming days with four opening round games scheduled.
Last season, Duarigle Gaels completed back to back victories after overcoming Knocknagree in a highly entertaining decider that took a replay to decide. Granted a late reprieve in the drawn encounter, the holders took full advantage to fashion a much more convincing performance yet the Gaels were first to admit that the eight point victory margin was flattering to a degree.
The Millstreet and Cullen combination attempt to complete a three in a row of titles that begins with a meeting against St. Peters at Mountcollins on Friday evening. Gaels have lost a number of players owing to overage yet they can look to the guidance of Shane Hickey, Darragh Cashman, Francis Cronin, Luke Murphy and Neil Flahive.
St. Peters present a formidable challenge, some of their line up cut their cloth with Rockchapel intermediate side last season with Shane and Jack Curtin, Eoin Collins and Nicholas Linehan well versed.
Current form is unknown and though St. Peters are capable of delivering a stern test, Duarigle Gaels enter the fray as favourites.
Boherbue and Kanturk are sure to be driven to make up for disappointments in the grade over recent years and their meeting makes for an entertaining clash in Glantane. In Boherbue’s case, they lost to Duarigle in the decider two seasons ago, their current line up involves Jack Daly, Alan O’Connor, C J and Gerry O’Sullivan.
Kanturk are not short of experience with many of their players have enjoyed success on a bigger stage. Indeed Kanturk will be banking on positive displays from Ryan Walsh, Daniel O’Connell, Brian O’Sullivan and Alan Walsh.
Not too much expected to divide the sides, Kanturk carry the favourites tag to what is expected to be a tight and interesting affair.
Knocknagree attempt to go one step further than runner up place last season yet they can expect a stiff challenge from Sliabh Luachra Gaels in Kiskeam. With plenty of silverware to their credit , Knocknagree will neither lack experience nor skill as they look to Daniel O’Mahony, Michéal Doyle, Gearóid Looney and Denis O’Connor for guidance.
Players from Ballydesmond and Kiskeam backbone Sliabh Luachra, a good run in the Glenville Tournament has boosted confidence with Jack Daly, Jack O’Connor, Seán Murphy, Darragh Moynihan and Thomas Casey impressing.
When the sides met last season, Knocknagree came good in extra time to better neighbours Sliabh Luachra Gaels.
Thanks to an all important goal deep into injury time at the end of the extended hour, Knocknagree fought back to force extra time and edged matters thanks to a late converted free. Knocknagree hope for a repeat success yet Sliabh Luachra hold plenty of motivation to turn the tables.
Dromtariffe and Robert Emmets step up from the C grade on a meeting on Tuesday night, both sides well equipped to create an impression. Emmets came through in strong fashion last season only to falter to Aghinagh in a Co. Final.
The Newmarket based outfit can call on the services of Josh O’Keeffe, Cathal Browne, David Cottrell, brothers Mikey and Paddy Browne to inspire confidence. For their part, Dromtariffe parade an experienced line up, looking to the key involvement of Conor O’Callaghan, Ray Daly, Evan Murphy and Tomás Howard for encouragement.
Not too much expected between the pair again, Dromtariffe slightly fancied to succeed in a close encounter.