Éamonn Murphy
Previews
TOMORROW
JAHC quarter-final: Clonakilty v Kilbrin, Cloughduv, 5pm.
JAMES FORRISTAL was Man of the Match for Clon last weekend, as they pipped Dohenys and Darren Sweetnam, in his last hurling game before committing to Munster rugby, in the west Cork decider.
Denis Murphy, David O’Regan and Jack O’Mahony also impressed, and they carry momentum into this clash with the Duhallow champs.
Cork senior William Egan, Liam Daly, Eoin Sheahan and David Murphy are regular match-winners for Kilbrin, who won the division for the first time since 2003 back in September.
Egan’s influence to swing it?
Verdict: Kilbrin.
TOMORROW
U21 HC semi-final: Blackrock v Blarney, Cloughduv, 3.30pm.
Though they needed a late point to see off a resilient Ballymartle at the quarter-final stage, the Rockies are overwhelming favourites tomorrow.
In recent years they’ve swept all before them at U14, U16 and premier minor, and are keen to land an U21 county crown too.
They have a star-studded team, featuring Kevin O’Keeffe, Elliot Cantwell and Stephen Murphy.
Muskerry winners Blarney got a bye to this juncture, and will need the likes of Barra O’Connell and Barry Phelan at their best to have any chance.
Verdict: Blackrock.
TOMORROW
U21 B HC final:
Nemo Rangers v
Dungourney,
Riverstown, 3pm.
Verdict: Nemo.
TOMORROW
JAHC semi-final:
Grenagh v
Brian Dillon’s,
Ballincollig, 4pm.
A big question here is whether a period of inactivity will hinder Grenagh.
In contrast Brian Dillon’s, once more inspired by John Horgan, along with Brian Barrett, defeated Ballinhassig last weekend to build on their city victory against Mayfield.
Tom Kenny was imperious for Grenagh in dethroning Cloughduv in Muskerry, but they’ve failed to carry divisional form to the county section before. It was Grenagh’s first Mid Cork success since 2006, but with Johnny Keane at the helm they can slip into the county final.
Verdict: Grenagh.
TOMORROW
JAFC semi-final: Kilmurry v
Ballyclough, Riverstown, 4.45pm.
Yes Ballyclough have Cork senior Colm O’Neill and former CIT captain Paul O’Flynn in their ranks, and another ace in Teddy O’Shea, but they had to survive a brave comeback from the Barrs’ second team in the quarter-final.
Kilmurry, Muskerry kingpins for the first time since 1986, had an easier game against Ballinhassig, but there’s a great buzz out there at the moment, and last week they added the league to the Muskerry Cup and JAFC.
Spearheaded by William Buckley and James White they can grind out another win, which would delight their chairman JJ Long, currently recovering from a farming accident.
Verdict: Kilmurry.
SUNDAY
U21 HC semi-final: Duhallow v Midleton, Mallow, 7.30pm.
The SHC title would have been a lot of these young Magpies priority in 2012, but once they’ve come to terms with their disappointing senior display there’s no reason they’ll lose here.
In Conor Lehane they’ve the best U21 on Leeside, but it’s a gifted team — Paul Haughney, Patrick White, Cormac Walsh, Killian Burke, Finbarr O’Mahony… the list goes on.
Midleton beat Duhallow in last year’s U21 final and should do so again. The division beat Bandon in a quarter-final replay last Sunday courtesy of a Stephen O’Reilly goal, but the core of their team is drawn from the Kilbrin outfit who face Clon on Friday.
Don’t expect an upset.
Verdict: Midleton.
