Cork GAA previews
Sarsfields v Newtownshandrum, Fermoy, 6.30pm
This is the glamour match of the weekend between the two clubs who have claimed the last three county SHC titles between them. Sarsfields may be reigning champions but they will be seeking to avoid a repeat of the 2009 decider when they were overwhelmed by a Newtownshandrum attack in which Jamie Coughlan, Cathal Naughton and Ryan Clifford are still key components. Sarsfields survived a stern examination by Na Piarsaigh in the last round and were thankful to the strong defensive play of Conor O’Sullivan, the midfield dynamism of Eanna Martin and the attacking prowess of Cian McCarthy. Newtownshandrum, under the guidance of new manager John Lenihan, looked impressive when dispatching Killeagh and after bowing in last year’s quarter-finals, will be intent on advancing.
Verdict: Newtownshandrum
Bishopstown will have to again plan without injured defensive duo Paul Honohan and David Hickey for this replay while attacker Eoin McCarthy is out of the country. On a positive note for the city side, intercounty pair Shane O’Neill and Patrick Cronin were prominent figures in last week’s drawn game while Brian Murray and Ronan Conway impressed in attack. Ballinhassig were indebted to the late scoring heroics of goalkeeper Martin Coleman while Edward Finn and Brendan Lombard anchor their defence.
Verdict: Bishopstown
St Finbarr’s injury woes have deepened with the loss of attacker Cathal McCarthy for the rest of the season with an achilles tendon injury while a hamstring problem has left Ronan Curran doubtful.The city side will be hoping Michael Shields, Roy Leahy and Robert O’Mahony can inspire their challenge. They face a difficult task against a Castlehaven side gunning to avenge their 0-14 to 0-13 loss when the sides met in the last eight two years ago. Castlehaven’s improved second-half form was pivotal to their fourth round win over rivals O’Donovan Rossa due to the growing influence of Sean Dineen, Mark Collins and Brian Hurley, while Dermot Hurley is back in the frame after being suspended for the last game.
Verdict: Castlehaven
Kilbrittain v Aghabullogue, Páirc Uí Rinn, 4.30pm
These clubs are becoming familiar foes as they get set for their third championship meeting this season. Maurice Sexton’s scoring prowess and Ross Cashman’s defensive leadership are strong ingredients for the Kilbrittain challenge while Patrick Finnegan, who has struck 1-19 against Kilbrittain already this season, is Aghabullogue’s danger man.
Verdict: Aghabullogue
Midleton full-back Declan Ryan is a major injury worry with a back problem, while a potential defensive replacement Killian Burke, has a dead leg. The contribution of 3-9 from play by their full-forward line of Conor Lehane, Luke O’Farrell and Paul Haughney last week against Douglas is a source of optimism. This is a tricky tie for them against a Ballymartle team who have adjusted superbly to life at senior level, displaying consistently impressive league form and claiming a notable scalp in St Finbarr’s in the last round. Declan McCarthy, Patrick Dwyer, Brian Corry and Barry Dwyer are all in good form for their outfit.
Verdict: Midleton
Cork IT defender Patrick O’Connor faces a hectic schedule tomorrow afternoon. The Clare senior lines out for his club Tubber in a championship tie at 1pm in Clarecastle and will then attempt to get to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in time for the 4.15pm throw-in for this Cork quarter-final. The students are also likely to be without Christopher Buckley for this game due to injury but key players like Eoin Dillon, Aidan Walsh and Michael O’Sullivan should all be present. It’s a remarkable achievement by Bride Rovers to have reached the quarter-final stage for the sixth year running. That’s a testament to their consistency and resilience, as they have overcome defeat in their opening two rounds of this year’s championship. A strong defence is anchored by Brian and Barry Murphy, while Dan Dooley and Michael Collins have emerged as the scorers in chief. They will be gunning for a Cork IT team who ousted them at this stage in 2009.
Verdict: Cork IT
Valley Rovers have transformed their season after a couple of early defeats in the Premier IHC. They were full value for their success over Inniscarra last weekend with Eamonn Collins, Eoin Manning and Chris O’Donovan all impressing. However last year’s semi-finalists Youghal will be formidable opponents with Brendan Ring, Bill Cooper and Leigh Desmond on board.
Verdict: Youghal
The inputs of Trevor O’Keeffe, Tony Wall and Ger Melvin proved pivotal in steering Aghada towards success over Meelin in the fourth round last week. They will seek to atone here for their extra-time defeat to Bandon in the first round last year. The Carbery outfit have ousted St Catherines and Dripsey this season with Darren Crowley, Donagh Lucey and Ronan Crowley all to the fore.
Verdict: Bandon
