Make or break for local hurlers

(JJ Hurley)

Recent action between Valley Rovers and Carrigaline Credit: Bernard Laverty

Attention will turn this weekend to the Co-Op Superstore Cork County Hurling Championship, where there are a number of mouth-watering games down for decision.

The eye-catching encounter is the meeting of Carrigaline and Ballymartle in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, with a 3pm throw-in on Saturday in Kilbrittain.

Both clubs lost out in their opening games, and a win is a must for either club to get their championship hopes back on track.

Of course, whoever loses will have to win their final game to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

Ballinhassig, who are plying their trade in the Senior A Hurling Grade, take on Inniscarra in Ovens on Sunday at 3pm. Having drawn their opening game against Courcey Rovers, John O’Sullivan’s side will be hoping to take the win, but expect Inniscarra to put it up to the Blues.

Also out at the weekend are Tracton and Ballygarvan. The Minane Bridge men take on Cloughduv on Saturday in Belgooly at 4pm, with a win a must for the Carrigdhoun side.

Ballygarvan, who had an impressive win over last year’s beaten finalists in the premier junior competition, Glen Rovers, face Nemo Rangers in Carrigaline at 2pm.

Locally, the Ross Oil South East Hurling Championship is hotting up with a number of interesting games down for decision.

Kinsale take on Ballymartle in Ballinhassig on Sunday at 11.30am.

That is followed by the meeting of Carrigaline and Valley Rovers in Shanbally at 6pm, also on Sunday. The final game of the day sees championship favourites Belgooly take on Ballygarvan in Minane Bridge at 6.45pm.

Ballygarvan and Glen Rovers who faced off in the opening game of the Co-Op Superstores Premier Junior Hurling Championship. (Delores KIdney)