Hectic schedule for Duhallow club and divisional teams in county action
COUNTY SFC ROUND 4
Kiskeam v Nemo Rangers
WHAT a magnificent debut season by Kiskeam in the premier grade in Cork football. Having been outplayed by a powerful Avondhu combination on their debut, last season’s county Premier IFC winners delivered a trademark rally that bore rich fruitition for a first time victory in the grade over Aghada thanks to a last ditch point from Mike Casey.
The winning run contined against a lethargic Carbery side that kicked 17 wides. A far more economical Kiskeam took full advantage, goals by Gene and Maurice Casey shocked a strong divisional line up.
Of course Nemo will present a totally new challenge, holding just two outright titles from the current decade will be viewed somewhat disappointing by the Capwell side. However a quick glance at a potential starting line indicate a formidable line up, Tomás Ó Sé joined by the Cronin brothers, Luke Connolly and Paul Kerrigan.
Nemo are keen to return to the county summit, a tough task awaits Kiskeam against the hot favourites yet by virtue of back to back wins, the Duhallow hopefuls won’t be a push over.
COUNTY PREMIER IHC QUARTER-FINAL
Kanturk v Charleville
THREE weeks after meeting in Round 2A, the latest instalment of Charleville and Kanturk promises to attract another big attendance to Milford.
Little separated the pair last time out, Kanturk shading the issue thanks to availing of an opportunist goal. A feature of the contest saw county U-21 colleagues Darren Browne and Darragh Fitzgibbon involved in a terrific duel.
Charleville got off to the best possible starts in the campaign, nudging past reigning IHC winners Fr. O’Neills in Round 1 and though upstaged by Kanturk, they responded to get the measure of Courcey Rovers.
For their part, Kanturk have enjoyed an unbeaten run to overcome both Castlelyons and Charleville.
Some cracking ties have developed between the pair, Charleville going under to eventual champions Kanturk at the quarter-final stage in 2013 IHC before coming good two seasons later in the grade.
Injuries to key men on either side, Aidan Walsh and Danny Flynn may hinder the prospects of either team. The prize to the victor is attractive, a semi final date against Ballinhassig, following the earlier win albeit narrowly, Kanturk might shade it again.
COUNTY IFC ROUND 4
Ballydesmond v Mitchelstown
MITCHELSTOWN encounter Duhallow opponents for the third occasion, a credited performance came up short to Kanturk only to answer back to overwhelm Adrigole. That set up a date against Millstreet where the powerful forays of Shane Beston and Stephen Fox shone to secure a five point win.
It’s been a real rollercoaster journey for Ballydesmond, incurring a heavy defeat to St. Finbarrs but recovered to sweep past Youghal and grabbing a convincing victory over Glenville after a replay thanks to solid contributions from Donncha O’Connor and Dara Moynihan.
On paper, Mitchelstown are viewed as favourites though Ballydesmond are improving.
COUNTY IFC ROUND 4
Rockchapel v Aghabullogue
JUST twelve months ago, the pair met in a quarter final, Rockchapel enjoying the safety of a two goal margin where the key values of hard work and honesty were central to their game plan.
A mixed campaign for Rockchapel todate, disappointing against Kanturk only to bounce back into the fray to dismantle the hopes of Glanmire thanks to a scoring spree. For their part, Aghabulogue recovered from a poor outing against St. Finbarrs to emerge good value for a worthy win over Mayfield.
Having reached two of the past three deciders, Rockchapel hold the pedigree to succeed.
COUNTY JAFC ROUND 1
Boherbue v Urhan
BOHERBUE enter new ground following a dramatic triumph over Knocknagree to collect only their fourth Duhallow title. The task now is transfer their domestic form onto a bigger stage and their progress will be monitored closely.
The efforts of Niall Murphy, Daniel Buckley, James Casey and Jerry O’Connor contributed immensely to the divisional triumph and it should act as a confidence booster. Opponents Urhan disappointed on a loss to Garnish in the Beara decider, a lack of competition is a drawback.
Expect Boherbue to continue on their winning ways. COUNTY SHC ROUND 4
Duhallow v Erins Own
NOT the best of preparations for Duhallow given a glut of club games the previous day. From the outset to the campaign, Duhallow began on a promisingly note, getting the nod over Youghal. When required, Duhallow lifted their game and they did so with Anthony Nash, Darren Browne and Mark Ellis holding the answers in defence, Lorcán McLoughlin and Shane Hehir delivered a productive shift at midfield.
That placed Duhallow up against a tough task against Sarsfields where the latter pulled away for a comfortable win. Another chance awaited Duhallow, survived a late charge from Bride Rovers.
Early in the second half, Duhallow looked well placed to secure a win to lead by five points yet entering the closing stages, the operation became an exercise in survival after Rovers drew level thanks to an opportunist goal.
Crucially Duhallow wrestled back control and late points from Kilbrin players Stephen O’Reilly and Shane Crowley decided the outcome to an entertaining contest.
Last season’s finalists Erins Own faltered to neighbours Midleton after extra time where Maurice O’Carroll, James O’Flynn and Cork panellist Robbie O’Flynn were amongst the goal scorers.
Given a complicated championship series that’s putting a burden on divisional managements, Duhallow face a stiff task against a far more settled Erins Own.
COUNTY JAFC ROUND 1
Knocknagree v Delanys
KNOCKNAGREE hopes of a three in a row within Duhallow came a cropper on a defeat to Boherbue. However, all’s not lost given the change in structure to the Co. JAFC, allowing the divisional runners up a place in the county and Knocknagree welcome the opportunity with open arms.
Team wise will see suspended James Dennehy return and Donough Moynihan is back in the fray after recent travel. Delaneys landed their second City title in three seasons on overcoming Whitescross with county junior Roy Downey leading their charge.
Knocknagree are sure to be eager to rid the disappointment of relinquishing their Duhallow crown and they will be fancied to jump this hurdle.