There is a lot on the line and for some big hitters their championship ambitions are over. The group stages are full of intrigue; amazingly some clubs with no points can still mathematically qualify, while others on 2 or possibly 3 points could lose out - unlikely but possible.
In this the final round, all group games start at the same time.
Premier Senior on Sunday at 4pm
This is pretty much sorted for the most part - 4 teams St Finbarr’s, Bishopstown, Newcestown and Charleville are out of the equation - while champions Sars look set to get the 1 semi-final spot given that they play Bishopstown whose form has been poor.
Group A
Sarsfields v Bishopstown in Rathcormac
Douglas v Newtownshandrum in Mourneabbey
The big one here is in Mourneabbey, where the winners will progress. Douglas improved somewhat for their win over Bishopstown while Newtown really tested Sars and that might stand to them and get them over the line.
Sars will win their game easily and such is their scoring difference are almost certainly into the semi-final.
Group B
Blackrock v Fr O’Neill’s in Carrigtwohill
St Finbarr’s v Newcestown in Cloughduv
Blackrock and O’Neill’s are qualified and this should be a lively encounter with both keen to maintain their winning run into the QF - a tough week for the ‘Rockies with the sad passing of Frankie Barry, but they could honour his memory by winning.
The ‘Barrs without a few key players have really struggled and unless they are really focussed for this game, they will find it hard to beat a very determined Newcestown side who racked up 21 points in their narrow loss to Blackrock.
Group C
Erin’s Own v Midleton in Páirc Uí Rinn
Kanturk v Charleville in Buttevant
This group is shrouded in controversy surrounding Midleton’s Sam Quirke’s suspension as there is a view that the club should not have kept the points for winning their game v Charleville and had they not, it would have changed the complexion of the group. That aside, the North Cork side are out and Midleton with 3 points are almost certain to progress.
However that is by no means a given as they play an Erin’s Own side who showed once again by beating Charleville they should not be taken for granted; Midleton will be fancied but it could be closer than many expect.
In the other game Kanturk are more or less assured of making the QF - a win or a draw will suffice.
So come Sunday evening, it could be Sars into the semi-final with Blackrock, Fr O’Neill’s, Midleton, Kanturk and Newtownshandrum joining Imokilly in the QFs.
Senior A on Saturday at 6.30pm
As it stands, Glen Rovers, Blarney and Bride Rovers are qualified and 2 of these will make the semi-finals. On current standings that is falling the way of the Rovers’ Glen and Bride, but could that change?
Group A
Blarney v Na Piarsaigh in Ovens
Courcey Rovers v Carrigtwohill in Carrigaline
The game in Ovens will determine who will top the group and both have impressed to date. Na Piarsaigh have won 2 very tight games and that will given them confidence going into this one, but also content in the knowledge that they are assured of progressing and this should be a cracker, with Blarney’s trio of inter-county players all in good form, it might tilt it their way.
The other match will decide who could be playing in the relegation play-off and Carrig might have enough to avoid that.
Group B
Bride Rovers v Fermoy in Ballynoe
Cloyne v Castlelyons in Dungourney
Still smarting from the events of last year’s exit in controversial circumstances, Bride have been very good to date and a 3rd win should see them make the semi-final with a bit to spare.
Cloyne’s lack of replacements for a host of quality players in recent years is beginning to tell and they are pointless to date. There is always one good game in them, but Castlelyons should win this one.
Group C
Glen Rovers v Ballyhea in Kanturk
Killeagh v Inniscarra in Cobh
Even without Patrick Horgan, Glen have done what was required of them to date and that situation won’t alter their approach to this game and they look certain to win and in the process go direct to the semi-final.
Killeagh are the only team without a win in this group and it’s hard to see that changing and Inniscarra should then get the 2nd spot and with it a quarter-final place.
So it’s Glen Rovers and Bride Rovers for the semi-finals, with Blarney, Na Piarsaigh, Inniscarra and Castlelyons making the QFs.
Premier Intermediate on Sunday at 2pm
There are some very interesting games in this highly competitive championship with a fancied Castlemartyr side teetering on the brink of elimination - pointless after 2 games.
Group A
Valley Rovers v Watergrasshill in Páirc Uí Rinn
Castlemartyr v Carrigaline in Lisgoold
Watergrasshill are on 4 points and will be expected to finish with maximum points based on their good from to date, but the Innishannon lads have a lot to play for still but the odds favour the ‘Hill.
A huge game in Lisgoold, more so for Castlemartyr as a 3rd defeat, for one of the fancied sides, could see them in a relegation battle.
Ciarán Joyce, Mike Kelly and Brian Lawton were in top form for Imokilly last Sunday night and that is a boost. They could win this one but whether it will be enough to prolong their interest in the championship remains to be seen as they will be keeping an eye on events elsewhere.
Group B
Ballincollig v Aghabullogue in Ballyanley
Mallow v Éire Óg in Grenagh
Ballincollig with 2 wins from 2 are in a strong position especially with Tadgh O’Connell showing good form and while they will be favoured to win this game, local derbies take on a life of their own and Aghabullogue are still in with a chance of progressing and will test their neighbours and the form of Matthew Bradley and Paul Ring will be important - a draw perhaps. Mallow are not going too well and have yet to pick up a point and they may not get one here either as Éire Óg on the back of a win last time out, should have enough to get the points and progress.
Group C
Kilworth v Ballinhassig in Castlelyons
Dungourney v Ballymartle in Ballymaw (Ballinora)
This group is really fascinating as all 4 teams are on 2 points so this one is going to the wire and the calculators maybe required and you can be certain that events at both venues will be monitored very closely.
Ballinhassig with Darragh and Adam O’Sullivan back in harness impressed in their win over Ballymartle where Patrick Collins chipped in 1-2 while his brother Ger was also in top form. Eoin Carey is back for Kilworth and they are a tough durable outfit but a nod to Ballinhassig to win.
Since their elevation to this grade Dungourney have been very competitive and they will need to be again for this game, Ballymartle will look for a response from their loss last time out and should get it.
Ballincollig and Watergrashill to secure the semi-final spots, picking the other 4 is a tough one. 3 should be Ballinhassig, Ballymartle, Éire Óg - as for the fourth, it’s anyone’s guess, a hesitant nod to Castlemartyr.
Intermediate A on Saturday at 4.30pm
The position in this championship is that after 2 defeats both Aghada and Bandon cannot qualify, yet even though they also have had 2 losses, Cloughduv can still qualify if they win their last game and results fall their way.
Lisgoold and Erin’s Own currently occupy the semi-final spots but that could change, unlikely though. There’s a big battle for the 4 QF places with 2 clubs - Sars and Midleton on 3 points and the other 5 on 2 points.
Midleton v Aghada -prediction Midleton
Ballygiblin v Sarsfields - prediction Sars
Lisgoold v Youghal - prediction Lisgoold
Mayfield v Cloughduv - prediction Mayfield
Blackrock v Kildorrery - prediction Kildorrery
Erin’s Own v Bandon - prediction Erin’s Own
The semi-final positions are unlikely to change with both Erin’s Own and Lisgoold securing them, and the QF places should go to Sars, Midleton, Kildorrery and Mayfield.
Unless there is a very strange sequence of results, Bandon and Aghada will be battling for survival in the relegation play-off, with the possibility that Cloughduv could also come into the equation with scoring difference likely to come into play here.
Premier Junior on Friday at 7.30pm
As it stands, both Douglas and Argideen Rangers cannot qualify and could end up playing the relegation play-off.
Russell Rovers and Ballygarvan are in pole position for the semi-final spots, the rest are in the running for the QFs.
So let’s have a go at predicting the games:
St Catherine’s v Argideen Rangers - prediction St Catherine’s
Glen Rovers v St Finbarr’s - prediction Glen Rovers
Nemo Rangers v Kilbrittain - prediction Nemo Rangers
Barryroe v Ballygarvan - prediction Ballygarvan
Russell Rovers v Meelin - prediction Russell Rovers
Milford v Douglas - prediction Milford
After all that, Russell Rovers and Ballygarvan should secure the semi-final spots and into the QFs go, along with Glen Rovers, St Catherine’s, Nemo Rangers and Milford. Douglas and Argideen Rangers in the relegation play-off, with Barryroe, Kilbrittain, St Finbarr’s and Meelin safe.
SE Systems Senior Camogie
It’s Round 3 of the group phase this weekend and just like the hurling, some are in contention while others are battling to avoid relegation.
There are 3 games on Friday all at 6.30pm. There’s a Muskerry derby in Blarney between Inniscarra and Cloughduv, while the well appointed Rathpeacon grounds is the venue for the meeting of Blackrock and Aghabullogue and in Castle Road, it’s Killeagh v Newcestown.
Castle Road is then hosting a double-header on Saturday at 3pm: Glen Rovers play St Finbarr’s both unbeaten to date and this is followed at 6pm by the clash of Éire Óg and St Catherine’s.
Champions Sars with 2 wins from their opening games, head to Brinny for a meeting with Courcey Rovers - 4pm start for this one. The divisional section game on Sunday features Seandun v Carrigdoun in Killeagh at 6pm.
Frankie Barry RIP
Frankie’s passing has evoked great sadness throughout the GAA community and beyond such was the esteem in which he was held. A committed hurler and footballer winning multiple medals among them 3 county senior titles with his beloved Blackrock, also winning honours with St Michael’s.
He then coached and managed teams at various grades in both codes and was hugely popular.
Sincere sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues in Blackrock and St Michael’s at this very sad time.
He was jovial and always in good form and had a word for everyone; the last time I met him was at a Junior B football match St Nick’s v St Michaels on a damp and windy autumnal afternoon, but it mattered little, we had a laugh and joke and watched the game - that was Frankie.
