Do or Die for Hurlers This Weekend

(JJ Hurley)

Hurling takes centre stage as the county and South East Championships move into the business end.

Ballygarvan v St Catherine’s

Ballygarvan face St Catherine’s on Saturday at 4 pm—the side that knocked them out of last year’s Co-op Superstore Premier Junior A semi-final. Ballygarvan led for long spells in that clash before surrendering late.Fitness questions remain over Sean Brady and Kevin Lyons, whose experience could be crucial.

South East Junior A Semi-Final Line-Up

By Saturday evening, the Ross Oil South East Junior A semi-final pairings will be set. Kinsale and Valley Rovers await their opponents.

• Belgooly v Carrigaline – Minane Bridge, 7.30 pm

• Ballinhassig v Ballymartle – Shanbally, 2 pm

Ballinhassig v Ballymartle

Ballymartle, already out of the Premier Intermediate Championship, will fancy their chances. Only two league points separated these sides, but Ballinhassig won their head-to-head by ten.That was before summer injuries thinned Ballinhassig’s ranks. Ballymartle are at full strength, with former Cork minor Leo Hennessy in sparkling form. Their recent Procure.ie SE Junior A Football Championship success adds extra motivation.

Belgooly v Carrigaline

Belgooly need to rediscover the form that brought them to the league final. They were poor against a youthful Kinsale, relying heavily on the evergreen Barry O’Dwyer.Carrigaline almost dumped them out at the same venue last year, and Saturday’s meeting could be another scare.Carrigaline’s Premier Intermediate clash with Ballincollig on Sunday (Riverstick, 3 pm) may stretch their squad, a potential edge for Belgooly—if Belgooly can find consistency.

Elsewhere

• Courcey Rovers v Bishopstown – Senior A relegation playoff, Bandon, Sunday 3 pm.

• Valley Rovers v Cloyne – Premier Intermediate quarter-final, Cobh, Saturday, 4 pm.

It’s a weekend to separate the men from the boys.

Eanna Desmond seen in action against Ballincollig in last year's Co-op Premier Intermediate Semi -final (Bernard Laverty).