The tape is up and the runners and riders are off in the Carrigdhoun Hurling and Football Championships in what promises to provide some intriguing contests.
While the Procure.ie Junior A Football Championship was the centre of attention at the weekend, with wins for Valley Rovers and Ballygarvan, it’s this weekend’s hurling programme that will occupy supporters.
First out of the traps are the current South East Champions, Belgooly, who travel to Kinsale, to face Courcey Rovers on Saturday at 7.30pm.
Under the guidance of former All-Ireland winner, Seanie McGrath, the Goolies, will again be in the mix to retain the Con Murphy Cup.
Having proven last year that they have the ability to mix it with the big boys, defeating Valley Rovers in last year’s final, the addition of Jamie Dwyer will be an asset to the side, as all eyes will again focus on Eoin O’Donovan to lead the line.
Courcey Rovers, who will have played in the senior A county competition on Friday night will have to raise their game here if they are to upset the odds.
Something of a dark horse in the Ross Oil SE Junior A Hurling Championship, Kinsale face Shamrocks in Belgooly at 5.30pm on Sunday.
Last year, Kinsale were exceptionally unlucky to exit the championships at the ¼ final stage to Ballinhassig, after extra time but their recent defeat to Ballinascarty in the Red Fm Divisional 7 Hurling league final suggests it is too soon for this young seasider outfit to lift the title.
Don’t write off Shamrocks causing an upset here.
Two other teams vying to lift the SE title in 2024, Tracton and Valley Rovers play each other in Riverstick on Monday at 3.30pm
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The Innishannon outfit, who recently went toe to toe with Belgooly in the SE Junior A Hurling League Final, and came out victors by a three points margin, may feel they have some unfinished business.
Last year they surrendered their divisional title as a result of defensive errors, and will look to put that right this year.
Tracton, who enticed former Cork boss Kieran Kingston back to lead them to the promised land, are unhappy with being labelled with the favourite’s tag, but it is only two years since they lined out in the Premier Junior A Championship Final.
However, their recent defeat to Watergrasshill suggests they are vulnerable, despite the calibre of their opponents in the league final.
That said, they have still plenty in their arsenal to take them all the way, including Ronan Walsh and Michael O’Sullivan.
Monday also sees Carrigaline face Ballinhassig in Ballygarvan at 7 pm, both sides have potential and promise but with their clubs eyeing a prize at a higher level they may not feature.
Certainly, from Monday night we will have a better picture of the eventual winners. Please check locally for changes in times and venues as they may change in the coming days.
County Hurling Championships underway
Following victories for Carrigaline and Kinsale in their respective county football championships at the weekend, this week it is the turn of the division’s hurlers. Saturday is a busy day as Carrigaline face Watergrasshill in Ballincollig at 5.30 pm, Ballygarvan are at home to Nemo Rangers at 5.30pm. Later in the evening, Ballinhassig travel to Cobh as they play Dungourney at 7.30pm. On Sunday, Ballymartle travel to Watergrasshill to face Kilworth at 1.30pm.
Belgooly are the defending SE Junior A Hurling Champions and expect them to be in the business end of the competition
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