Duhallow teams return to County Junior ‘B’ and ‘C’ Football Championship

THE County Junior B and C Football Championships continue this weekend, Lismire face Ballyphehane in the B grade at Mourneabbey on Friday evening.

The city side recorded a comprehensive win over Doneraile in their opening game to the round robin series on racking up an impressive tally. For their part, Lismire were hit by a late withdrawal by Crosshaven.

Lismire are elevated to B ranks thanks to a memorable outright triumph in the 2023 Co. Junior C grade thanks to a two point win over Ballinacurra. From last season’s team, Michael McSweeney and Liam Geaney have emigrated, the side is captained by Jeremy Lawlor and features Eamon Hayes, Sean McSweeney, Patrick Buckley, the O’Sullivan brothers and Sheahan twins.

Freemount enter the fray in the C grade in a clash against Lough Rovers at Ballyclogh. In preparation, Freemount defeated St. John’s and drew with Kanturk in the Duhallow Junior B League.

Ger Hayes captains the side backboned by Shane O’Callaghan, Aidan O’Flynn and Dean Collins.

Lough Rovers have a game under their belt but fared poorly against Gleann na Laoi and require a win here to remain in contention.

The same applies to St. John’s when they encounter Grange at Doneraile on Sunday. St. John’s fell to last season’s finalists Ballinacurra in the opening assignment.

After a closely contested opening half, St John’s boosted by solid performances from Charlie Kelleher, Jamie Cooper and Conor Healy passed up chances and a sharper East Cork side pulled away. Opponents Grange had a bye in round 1 yet they are sure to be competitive.