Cork management nervous with Clare game on horizon

WITH Cork’s Munster SHC semi-final against Clare only three weeks away, John Allen and the Cork selectors will be keen, if nervous, observers as the Cork SHC and IHC kicks off in earnest this weekend.

There’s two potential gems forming: A Páirc Uí Rinn double-header this afternoon, with the Erin’s Own/Sarsfields derby at 3pm, followed by Ballinhassig and Na Piarsaigh (4.20pm throw-in). Later this evening it’s the battle of the saints in Fermoy — Catherine’s against Finbarr’s, at 7.30pm.

Tomorrow, the beaten finalists in each of the last two seasons, Cloyne, get their 2006 campaign underway with the meaty challenge from East Cork rivals Killeagh, in Ballynoe. Tomorrow evening, another derby, as Glen Rovers and Delanys duel at Church Road (7.30pm)