Ballydesmond and Clonakilty look to maintain interest in the championship

CORK’S involvement in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final sees the county championship programme heavily curtailed again, with Ballydesmond and Clonakilty holding the honour of being involved in the lone County IFC fixture on a second round meeting in Macroom on Saturday evening.

A pretty eventful campaign last season saw Ballydesmond get their act together after an eighteen point drubbing to better Youghal and Glenville(replay). That secured a meeting with Mitchelstown in round 4, little or nothing in another draw before the ‘Town pulled away for a comfortable win in the replay.

From the current campaign, Ballydesmond had little complaints from a first round defeat by Aghabullogue, their second half performance was well down on what was expected from the Duhallow side. Following a stalemate opening half, Ballydesmond looked to be in a favourable position from a Shane Kelly goal followed by a Jerry Healy point soon after the restart.

However, once Donncha O’Connor exited the scene owing to injury, Ballydesmond operated second best, outscored 1-10 to 0-1 for the remainder of the second spell. It’s suffice to say, a far more consistent will now be required to maintain an interest.

Opponents Clonakilty faltered to Millstreet first time out where having allowed Clon’ back into the game from a stalemate opening 30 minutes, the winners wrestled back control on the turnover.

At times Clon’s second team whose senior side had utilised 20 players the previous week against Castlehaven tested Millstreet through a combination of hard work and a physical presence in the key areas, the play of Stephen Sheehy, Liam Cahill and Shane Collins offered encouragement.

After forcing parity at the break, Clonakilty found it difficult to get on meaningful possession subsequently and never threatened to deliver telling scores.

It’s now make or break for Ballydesmond and Clon in this back door encounter, on the basis of knowing the levels they have to reach to win, Ballydesmond get the vote to progress to a third round meeting against St. Finbarrs.