An Ghaeltacht to book quarter-final

GROUP 1 An Ghaeltacht v St Marys Sunday, 2.30pm

A young An Ghaeltacht side, powered by Éanna Ó Conchúir and the Ó Beaglaoich brothers, were full value for their impressive win over Beaufort. St Marys, on the other hand, were just pipped by John Mitchels and they are in must-win territory now.

Verdict: An Ghaeltacht.

Beaufort v John Mitchels Sunday, 2.30pm

BEAUFORT need to get the show on the road this weekend after their loss to An Ghaeltacht, and home advantage could be vital here. John Mitchels did superbly to hold on against St Marys, but they are now sweating over the fitness of ace attacker, Alan O’Donoghue.

Verdict: Beaufort.

GROUP 2 Glenflesk v Spa Saturday, 7pm

THIS East Kerry derby looks to be Spa’s for the taking. Glenflesk are attempting to recover from a heavy defeat to Na Gaeil, and home advantage may not even be enough to halt the march of a Spa outfit, who could go a long way in this competition this season.

Verdict: Spa

Na Gaeil v Currow Saturday, 7pm

ALL-IRELAND junior champions, Na Gaeil, made a wonderful introduction to life at a higher level with a hugely impressive performance against Glenflesk. Currow, meanwhile, look a side badly in need of a pick-me-up. With Jack Barry and Diarmuid O’Connor leading the charge, the home team should win.

Verdict: Na Gaeil.

GROUP 3 Rathmore v Desmonds Saturday, 5pm

THE Hickeys were in great form for Desmonds in their opening round triumph over Ardfert, but this will be a different challenge for the Castleisland side as they travel to Rathmore, needing a win after being held by Laune Rangers. This could be a cracking affair.

Verdict: Laune Rangers v Ardfert Saturday, 7pm

THE Killorglin men will have been buoyed by Peter Crowley’s return after long-term injury and by holding Rathmore to a draw last weekend. Ardfert had their moments against Desmonds, but just fell short. A big game for both sides, but the home team can edge it.

Verdict: Laune Rangers.

Rathmore

GROUP 4 Dromid Pearses v M illtown / Castlemaine Sunday, 2.30pm

THE Mid Kerry side are a dangerous proposition in this competition, as they showed in their emphatic victory over Waterville. Meanwhile, South Kerry champions, Dromid, were just edged out by Glenbeigh/Glencar. The head says another win for Milltown/Castlemaine, but home advantage may see Dromid nick a point. Verdict: Draw.

Glenbeigh/Glencar v Waterville Sunday, 2.30pm

EMERGING on the right side of such a tight opener should only benefit the home team here, as John Evans gets down to business with his relatively new charges. Waterville were level at half-time against Milltown/ Castlemaine, but then struggled badly. Their fortunes are unlikely to change.

Verdict: Glenbeigh/Glencar