East Cork GAA

02 April, 2009

Cork Co Minor Board Preview

The coming weekend sees the commencement of the Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Football Championships with three games on Sunday and one on Monday.

The Ulster Bank Co Premier 1 Minor Football Championship kicks off on Sunday evening when Castlehaven take on Carrigtwohill in Bandon at 6.00. The “Carbery” side will enter this game as the slightest of favourites based on their league campaign to date but they would want to be on their guard as Carrigtwohill are sure to up their performance and a win here would be a major boost to their fortunes. On Sunday the Co Premier 2 Championship commences with a local derby in Castlemartyr where Aghada and Fr O’Neills battle it out for qualification to the third round. This game could a close affair but Fr O’Neills will be short a number of prominent players due to injury and this could tilt the balance in their opponents favour. St Nicholas and Midleton meet in Caherlag and here the “City” side will be favoured but Midleton have the ability to pose some problems and should not be discounted. On Monday evening there is another local derby when Brian Dillons and Mayfield travel to Carrigtwohill in what has all the ingredients of being a cracking contest. Both these sides are well aware of each other’s strengths and in the end a bounce of the ball either way could decide the issue.

In the various Ulster Bank Co Premier Leagues it promises to be a busy week with teams now in full preparation for their forthcoming championship endeavours. In the Ulster Bank Co Premier 1 Minor Hurling League, Na Piarsaigh are at home to Mallow this evening while on Sunday Mallow are out again against Bishopstown and this time they will have home advantage. A brace of victories here for Mallow would be of prime importance and would put them into a good position on the league table. Na Piarsaigh are also out on Sunday when they make the trip to Blarney to take on the local side who are showing some fine form at the moment. Blarney will again have home advantage on Wednesday evening when they welcome St Finbarrs who are also are in a winning mood at the moment. Another interesting game down for decision is between neighbours Carrigtwohill and Midleton which is scheduled for Carrigtwohill on Wednesday evening where a top class encounter is envisaged. In the Ulster Bank Co Premier 2 Minor Hurling League it is another busy week with Courcey Rvs and St Catherines clashing in Cloughdubh this evening while on Monday evening Ballinhassig make the trip to Fermoy to take on the local side. Fermoy are again favoured with home advantage when they entertain Donoughmore while on Thursday while on Thursday Sliabh Rua are at home to Castlelyons and Killeagh/Itas travel to Mayfield to take on the local side.

In the Ulster Bank Co Premier 1 Minor Football League there are two important fixtures during the week which will sees St Finbarrs at home to Ballincollig on Monday evening and with both sides unbeaten to date this game promises to be a real top of the table clash. On the following evening there is another interesting encounter when Nemo Rngs are at home to Mallow. In the Ulster Bank Co Premier 2 Minor Football League Clonakilty will have home advantage against Bantry Blues on Tuesday evening in what should be a close contest.