Ballinhassig will prove a formidable obstacle after polished performance

Ballinhassig 3-23 Tracton 0-18: Ballinhassig served notice of their championship credentials with a polished second half performance against South-east neighbours, Tracton, in round one of the Cork Premier IHC in Carrigaline on Saturday.

Two late second half goals put an added gloss on Ballinhassig’s win but, in the final analysis, the Blues were full value for victory and set up a meeting with the winners of Carrigaline-Mallow clash in round two.

Replete with arguably the most skilful set of hurlers playing hurling at this grade, and allied to the sideline brainpower of 1990 All Ireland senior hurling winner Seán McCarthy, Ballinhassig will be one of the favourites to breast the winner’s tape at this grade.