Good progress towards Under 21 completion

GOOD progress was made in Muskerry last weekend towards the completion of the division’s Under 21 football championships with the games that were played getting results.

The Muskerry board consequently responded positively and holding the draws for the concluding stages of the competitions on Monday last at Eire Óg GAA pavilion they subsequently arranged fixtures for the coming weekend.

Last Saturday three clubs bowed out of the under 21 football championship race. Cill na Martra had a slight edge on Naomh Aban in their second chance encounter where the latter displayed some improvement on their first outing when they were beaten by Éire Óg.

That was an important result vis-à-vis completion of the premier Under 21 football championship in Muskerry. The Kilmichael playing field at Annahala was in excellent condition for Saturday’s Under 21 ’B’ championship semi-final involving Canovee and Macroom where the former secured victory in impressive fashion.

Canovee will now face the winners of the semi-final contest between Aghabullogue and Ballinora, which is down for decision at Cloughduv on Thursday of this week.

In last Saturday’s Under 21 ‘C’ second chance encounter Clondrohid had to give best to an Aghinagh side who were in form.

The Muskerry board responded immediately to Saturday’s results and the arranging of the draws on Monday night was quickly followed by the arranging of fixtures promptly, to ensure the clubs representing Muskerry in the county championship will have their Muskerry action completed.

We consequently have some exciting games down for decision this coming weekend. On Saturday next at Ovens we should have a very entertaining encounter when title holders Kilmurry face Ballincollig at 3pm.

The former were impressive last season when they convincingly defeated Saturday’s opponents and they subsequently performed from strength to strength to qualify for a county final engagement with Nemo Rangers.

They lost at the final hurdle following a replay, but their displays had to be admired and they will have thirteen of the 2018 team still available for next Saturday’s encounter.

Ballincollig could pose problems for them however if they rise to the occasion as they will have players in their ranks who have recently been in action with their senior side. A good hour’s football should be in the offing on Saturday with Kilmurry entering the fray as slight favourites.

Also on Saturday we will have an interesting Under 21 ‘A’ encounter quarter-final at Inchigeela at a surprise time of noon. Cill na Martra whose victory over Naomh Aban last week in the second chance outing kept them in the race, will face Éire Óg. The latter will be favourites but they will underestimate the Gaeltacht side at their peril.

The Under 21 ‘C’ football semi-finals will also be played this weekend. Iveleary and Kilmichael will play at Cill na Martra on Saturday at 3pm, while Aghinagh will play Ballincollig on bank holiday Monday at Dripsey’s headquarters at noon.

FIXTURES

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Under-21 (A) Football Championship quarter-final

Cill na Martra v Eire Óg, Inchigeela noon

Under-21 (A) Football Championship semi-final

Ballincollig v Kilmurry, Ovens 3pm

Under-21 (C) Football Championship semi-final

Iveleary v Kilmichael, Cill na Martra 3pm

MONDAY, MARCH 18

Under-21 (C) Football Championship semi-final

Aghinagh v Ballincollig, Dripsey noon