Carrigdhoun Clubs Face Crunch Games in County Hurling Leagues

(JJ Hurley)

(Recent action from Ballygarvan V Tracton in the RedFM Division 5HL) (credit Delores Kidney)

With promotion and relegation issues still to be decided, a crunch weekend awaits South East clubs in the Red FM County Hurling Leagues as the competition enters its closing stages.

Ballymartle, who continue to be hampered by injuries, are rooted to the bottom of Division Two with just one point from seven games and can no longer realistically avoid relegation.

However, there is still pride to play for as they travel to Erins Own on Sunday morning for an 11.30am throw-in.

Just above them are near-neighbours Carrigaline on five points, level with Na Piarsaigh, whom they face in a crucial clash on Crosshaven Road on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Valley Rovers also have plenty to play for as they take on Kanturk, who sit just one point ahead of them in the middle of the Division Two table.

With both sides already casting an eye towards championship action, a competitive encounter is expected.

Division Three remains exceptionally tight, with several clubs still firmly in the hunt for promotion.

Courcey Rovers, Ballinhassig and Blarney are locked together on ten points, with only points difference separating the trio.

Hot on their heels are Bandon and Inniscara on nine points.

Ballinhassig have an excellent opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack when they welcome Fermoy on Sunday at 11.30am.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Ballinspittle as Courcey Rovers host Bandon at 5pm on Sunday.

Victory for either side would provide a valuable advantage heading into the final round of fixtures.

If Ballygarvan are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, they will need to overcome last year's county championship finalists, Glen Rovers, who were narrowly beaten by Kilbrittain in the Premier Junior A Final.

They face the city side at 3pm in Ballygarvan on Saturday, while Tracton welcome Cloyne to Minane Bridge at 7.30pm in a must-win encounter in the RedFM Division Five HL.

Kinsale are also in need of a positive result when they travel to Killavullen for a 4pm throw-in. Anything less than a win could leave their Division Six status hanging by a thread.

There are also a number of attractive local fixtures on offer. Ballinhassig's Junior A hurlers travel to Belgooly on Saturday for a 2pm throw-in, while on Sunday Ballygarvan welcome Shamrocks at 11.30am in the same competition. (Note the change of time in the Ballygarvan game).

Tuesday night sees action in the Junior B Football League, with Shamrocks hosting Belgooly at 7.30pm and Ballinhassig entertaining Crosshaven at the same time. Old rivals Carrigaline and Tracton meet at 8.15pm.

With promotion, relegation and local bragging rights all on the line, it promises to be a fascinating weekend for Carrigdhoun clubs.