County Leagues underway with key Duhallow interest
THE 2020 County football leagues are underway this weekend with new playing rules adding to the intrigue. Last season, a novel points system was initiated and met with an overwhelming rsponse for it to be repeated, four points for a win, two points for a draw and one point for each game played places a strong emphasis on participation.
Kiskeam operate in Division 1, last season, they reserved some of their best form in the league, ever so close to reaching the knockout stage only to falter during the latter games. Neil Conway from Drom/Broadford returns as coach, his charges can look ahead with an optimistic mindset.
First up is a home meeting against St. Michaels, the city side have agonised on losing out in County Premier IFC Finals over recent years and they will present a formidable challenge.
The same attributes apply to Ilen Rovers on hosting Kanturk in Division 2. Kanturk rose through the divisions over a few campaigns and it stood to them on landing the 2017 County IFC title. Last season, a mixed Football League campaign was followed by a disappointing championship defeat by St. Michaels.
A fresher Kanturk under new manager Tim Healy are capable of making strides with the Premier Intermediate championship one of their targets. Reigning Premier IFC holders Éire Óg welcome Newmarket to Ovens, that’s a rematch from a championship tussle from last season where the verdict remained in doubt right up to the latter stages.
A big name at the helm in Newmarket with former ladies All Ireland medalist Deirdre O’Reilly taking up the mantle in their endeavours to challenge for league and championship progress.
One of the more attractive games over a full league programme sees Knocknagree away to Naomh Abán. Two county championship titles in three seasons along with County FL Division 4/5 titles confirms Knocknagree’s wellbeing.
John Fintan Daly remains on as manager, the two sides operate in the same group in the County Premier IFC.
Dromtariffe made their league debut last season and earned promotion to Division 4 in the company of Na Piarsaigh. A decent run in the Intermediate championship saw Dromtariffe come ever so close to reaching a final only to come up short to Gabriel Rangers in the penultimate hurdle.
On the line this season, Dromtariffe parade a new coach with Wayne O’Donnell taking up the mantle. Fitst up is a home tussle against Glenville who hold plenty of experience and will present a formidable challenge.
Millstreet operate in Division 5 and welcome familiar opponents Adrigole in their initial assignment. The Duhallow side endured a frustrating run last season, missing out on promotion, a decent IFC run came to a halt on a hefty defeat to Knocknagree.
A new backroom team is headed by Joey Hanlon where a consistent league run will be required ahead of facing St. Finbarrs in the opening round to the championship.
Two teams not involved league action this weekend yet Ballydesmond and Rockchapel can boost of new men at the helm. Ballydesmond welcome the experienced Ned English while former great Jerry Casey returns to his native Rockchapel club.
A hectic schedule of league games are scheduled over the coming weeks, given Spring is in the air, all teams will be keen to get up and running, the outcome to the opening round will determine the work put in by teams over recent weeks.