Tough test for Brendan’s as Corn Uí Mhuirí defence begins

THE long path to All-Ireland colleges football glory next April starts this afternoon for six Munster schools, with three games in the Credit Union Corn Uí Mhuirí (‘A’ SFC) down for decision.

St Brendan’s v St Colman’s, Banteer, 1.30 pm

DESPITE losing 25 of a panel of 28 of last year’s winning combination, St Brendan’s should still carry too much football know-how for the Cork side in their opening defence of their title.

James Coffey, Chris O’Leary and Keith O’Leary are the only three survivors from 2008. Today’s team will be very much on the young side, with Sean Keane and Alan Courtney, members of last year’s Moran Cup (U15) winning team, included.

The Sem buried one of their teachers, PJ Luddy, yesterday after a brief illness, and it has cast an air of gloom over the college. It remains to be seen if they can lift themselves to win the game.

Better known for their prowess with the small ball, the Fermoy college, having won the Corn na gColáistí title last year, should give a good account of themselves, and could cause an upset.

Verdict: St Brendan’s win.

Tralee CBS v Intermediate School Killorglin, Currow, 2pm:

THIS local derby should be a very close affair. Last year’s beaten finalists Tralee CBS will field seven of the side that lost to Brendan’s, and having won the junior title (Frewen Cup) will have a very solid panel to choose from.

Their challenge will be led by the Galvin twins Philip and Mathew, Shane Carroll, Kieran Hurley, Alan Fitzgerald and Luke Mulligan but the Green have always found the Killorglin school difficult to beat and today should be no exception.

ISK put in a tremendous effort into last year’s championship and only missed out on reaching the knockout stages by the narrowest of margins.

They pick from a number of very good clubs in their catchment area and with half of their 2007 side available, will provide the Tralee school with a searching test.

Verdict: Tralee CBS win.

Chorca Dhuibhne v St Flannan’s, Newcastlewest, 1.30pm.

THE Dingle school will include Paul Geaney who was captain of this year’s Kerry minor team for a while before losing his place, and his experience will be invaluable.

They lost out to Tralee CBS at the semi-final stage last year. With a number of that side available including Micheál Ó Flahartha, Gene Ó Conchubhair and Dara Ó Suilleabháin they should get this year’s campaign off to a winning start.

Flannan’s have always produced good teams and will include seven of last year’s side. Eamon Malone, Dara Malone, PJ O’Driscoll, Sean Crotty, Stephen Collins, Fergus Ryan and Sean Hayes are accomplished players, and the Ennis College won’t go under without a fight.

Verdict: Dingle win.