Carrigdhoun will need to be at strength against Duhallow

Tonight: SHC: Carrigdhoun v Duhallow: Coachford, 7 pm

DUHALLOW surprised Carbery in last year’s championship and will be hoping to build on that when they face Carrigdhoun tonight.

Preparation is one of the biggest problems divisional teams face and both have found it difficult to get and put in the work in.

Players from Tracton and Courceys are eligible for Carrigdhoun, but it’s unlikely they’ll be released given they will replay their championship clash next Tuesday night

Cork senior footballers Nicholas Murphy (Carrigaline), Michael Prout (Shamrocks), Ger Spillane (Ballygarvan) may also opt out given the close proximity of the Munster championship game against Limerick. Should all that happen it will weaken the South East division’s challenge and Duhallow, backed by players from Kilbrin, Banteer, Meelin, Kanturk and Millstreet, could take full advantage.

SHC: Seandun v Avondhu: Ballinlough, 7.30 pm

AVONDHU will fancy their chances in this all-divisional clash.

Hurling is strong in Avondhu with five intermediate clubs to choose from in Kilworth, Mallow, Milford, Dromina and Ballyhea. Add in Liscarroll, Charleville, Fermoy and Ballygibin and the selectors can pick a very good side that, properly committed, could be in the shake-up for honours.

Seandún are back competing after taking a year out in 2006. They’ll pick from intermediate clubs like St Vincent’s and Delanys, and juniors Brian Dillons, Mayfield, Whitechurch, Nemo Rangers and Passage.

If players from these clubs answer the call — and they should because it’s an opportunity to play county senior hurling championship — Avondhu won’t have it all their own way.