The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Templenoe, Desmonds and Ardfert tipped for IFC semis
Templenoe v Glenbeigh/Glencar
NOT because of their exploits in this particular competition does it make it interesting but the fact both of the last two winners of the All-Ireland Junior Club Championship. Templenoe of course inflicted the final heartache for Glenbeigh/ Glencar at Junior level with their victory in the 2015 Final at that level but with that monkey off the Mid Kerry side’s back they can now look at restoring some personal pride from the defeat that day.
Glenbeigh/Glencar had no difficulties in their first outing at Intermediate level at home to St Michaels/Foilmore as Templenoe overcame Waterville in the Kenmare District side’s First Round encounter. The loss in the Intermediate decider last year means Templenoe are the ones with hurt coming into this and they might use that to good effect on Saturday evening. Verdict: Templenoe
St Marys v Castleisland Desmonds
CONSIDERING the pulsating and enthralling nature of the Semi-Final meeting between these two sides in 2015 which St Marys won on their way to All-Ireland glory the following February, there is much to be excited about here. Desmonds as we know have been suffering from a semi-final jinx at this level in recent years but the nature of their win over Spa, where they put five goals passed the East Kerry side was an impressive early statement.
St Marys were solid rather than spectacular in their win away to Currow but will hope to raise it up a level on home turf against a side who won’t lack motivation for a win after the events of two years ago. That hurt might just be the decisive factor in seeing Desmonds over the line despite being on the road again in this competition. Verdict: Castleisland Desmonds
An Ghaeltacht v Ardfert
TWO sides that have seen a lot of each other in recent years meet again at the same stage of the competition as last year with An Ghaeltacht having home advantage on this occasion having won at the St Brendans venue last year. They also had it for their First Round win over Gneeveguilla on Easter Monday, a success they were made to work for before coming through to another meeting with Ardfert.
Ardfert won a dogged and gritty encounter with John Mitchels after extra-time, the sort of success that has become their hallmark and they will view this as other great opportunity to take down a fancied side like they have done so in the past. The West Kerry side are gaining more experience with every year however and should be able to cope through to another semi-final if they perform to their capability. Verdict: An Ghaeltacht