Duhallow teams remain in the hunt for county championship silverware

DUHALLOW teams remain in strong contention for county honours in five football grades and two hurling championships where the outcome will be determined over the next month.

That will insure competitive fare lies in store for patrons, the divisional senior footballers remain on course towards returning to a County SFC decider yet Newcestown are certain to be doughty opponents in a semi-final.

Equally intriguing on the opposite side with a city flavour, Nemo Rangers back in the fray after disposing the involvement of reigning holders St. Finbarrs face another neighbour Douglas in a semi-final.

Just four teams remain in contention in the County Premier IFC, Kanturk’s impressive victory over Cill na Martra sets up a semi-final date with St. Michaels. On the opposite side Bantry Blues and Éire Óg grabbed key wins over Bandon and Beál Ath’n Ghaoirthaidh to secure semi-final berths. This is a big competition, the Cork winners enter the Munster championship.

Of course, there is a familiar Duhallow involvement in the

Semi-final line-up in the various grades

Duhallow v Newcestown

Nemo Rangers v Douglas

County Premier IFC

Kanturk v St. Michaels

Bantry Blues v Eire Óg

County IFC

Ballydesmond or Dromtariffe v Gabriel Rangers Millstreet v Knocknagree or Aghabullogue

County JAFC

Boherbue or St James v St. Michaels or Kilworth or Ballymartle

Kilshannig v Iveleary or Erins Own or

County IFC, from the six remaining teams, four come from the Ballinasacarthy

Kiskeam v St. Michaels

Bride Rovers v Goleen

County JAHC

Newmarket or Brian Dillons v Russell Rovers or Kilbree

Ballinasacarthy v Courcey Rovers or Carrig na bhFear

County JBHC

Freemount v Aghabullogue or Bantry Blues Douglas or Ballymartle v Aghada or Ballyhea North West Barony. Ballydesmond and Dromtariffe failed to be separated two weeks ago as they attempt to resolve matters in a replay on Sunday to determine who plays West Cork side Gabriel Rangers in a semi-final.

Meanwhile, Millstreet can look on to Saturday’s attractive clash of Knocknagree and Aghabullogue to resolve the second semi final pairing, the winners here face Millstreet in the penultimate stage.

Progress continues in the JAFC, Boherbue’s experience will be required to match the hunger of Carbery newcomers St. James in a quarter final. And from the JBFC, Kiskeam followed up on landing a Duhallow title to better Kilshannig to advance to a semi-final against St. Michaels.

Newmarket remain involved in the County Junior A Hurling Championship, a first round win over Tracton secures an attractive quarter final date with Brian Dillons.

Freemount obtained a bye to the County JBHC last four where they will keeping check on the outcome to the Aghabullogue and Bantry Blues quarter-final to determine their opponents in the semi-final.