Crunch weekend for Rebels in busy sporting programme

A packed programme of sport is on offer this weekend, as fans have plenty to keep them entertained over the weekend.

Carrigaline's Brian O'Driscoll will be expected to play a big part in Cork's efforts to secure promotion at the weekend (Bernard Laverty)

No doubt all eyes will turn to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night as the Cork senior hurling team line out against an Offaly side set for relegation.

A win or a draw will see Ben O’Connor’s charges reach the league final for a second year in a row.

As for who they will face, to keep a firm grip on the title the Rebels look likely to take on either the Tribesmen or the Treaty side, with the smart money favouring Limerick.

The game throws in at Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7pm on Saturday.

The footballers must travel to Tyrone on Sunday, with their own promotion in their hands, as a win or a draw will see the Leesiders return to the top table of league football.

This will be a tough assignment for John Cleary’s side, as they have put in a decent performance over the season to date.

However, the recent visit to Derry will not inspire the fans, who will hope that the Rebels can get back on track and give their loyal supporters something to shout about.

On the home front, the RedFM Hurling Leagues are beginning to gather pace.

Carrigaline are at home to Erin’s Own on Friday night in the Division Two league at 7.30pm, with the Carrigdhoun side hoping to exorcise the ghosts of their opening game.

On Saturday, Kinsale welcome Ballygiblin, while Courcey Rovers travel away to Russell Rovers following their opening defeat to Ballinhassig.

The Kinsale game throws in at 1.30pm, while the Courcey Rovers game starts at 1pm.

Sunday has a number of decent games down for decision, as Ballinhassig are away to Blarney at noon, and Ballymartle travel to Newcestown for an 11.30am start.

Passage welcome Kilshannig at 11.30am, while Tracton lock horns with old foes in Minane Bridge at the same time.

Ballygarvan are also in action on Sunday as they travel to Dungourney for a good test at 11.30am.

In the South East Leagues, Ballymartle welcome Tracton in Riverstick on Friday night at 7pm.

On Sunday, three games have a 3pm throw-in as Kinsale welcome Carrigaline, Shamrocks play Belgooly and Ballinhassig face Valley Rovers.

Ballygarvan's Sean Brady should be in the line out for the Rebel Footballers on Sunday (Delores Kidney)

Soccer front

Carrigaline United face Ballincollig in the Beamish Stout Super Junior Cup in Ballea at 8pm. Crosshaven’s senior side are also in action on Friday night as they face Temple United at home at 7pm.

On Saturday, Kinsale welcome Bandon at 2pm in the Pop Kelleher Competition. Later in the evening, Passage face Midleton in MSL 3 at 7pm.