Mallow just about fancied in derby clash

Mallow v Fermoy

AS a hurling fan the clash between Kanturk and Charleville ticks all the boxes this weekend but when it comes to the bigger ball the game of the weekend for neutral north Cork fans has to be the one between Fermoy and Mallow – this one has all the ingredients required to ensure a genuine championship do-or-die encounter.

Fermoy surprised many by making it straight through to the semi-finals from the group stages however they were well worth their place in the last four of this competition. Now that the club’s senior hurlers are out of their championship all eyes are focussed on the football and those eyes will be firmly trained on neighbours Mallow this Sunday afternoon.

Fermoy impressed many with the way they advanced through the early rounds and with players of the calibre of Tomas Clancy, Brian O’Sullivan, Kieran Morrisson, Ruairí

O’Hagan and Pádraig de Róiste in their line-up the Avondhu men will be no pushovers. A brilliant fightback win over Bandon in the final round meant that Fermoy jumped from being almost out to being the leading qualifier.

For Mallow, a roller-coaster of a championship saw them lose out to Kiskeam on day one only to fight back with three solid wins on the bounce to make it through to the semis.

Cork stars James Loughrey and Mattie Taylor have been key to Mallow’s performances this season but others such as Shane Merritt, Kieran O’Sullivan, Eoin Stanton and the irrepressible talisman that is Cian O’Riordan have done more than their fair share to bring Mallow to this point.

This one has all the hallmarks of what is likely to be a dogfight to the finish. Fermoy’s hurlers beat Mallow on day one of that championship and the club’s footballers will be keen to follow that success with the double over their neighbours from up the river.

For Mallow, this opportunity is something that few thought possible after the loss to Kiskeam but since then, Mallow have been brilliant – one of the form teams in Cork football. Result: Mallow to win – but just.

Verdict: Mallow