Harty Cup Preview: Christians face Midleton CBS with winner securing knockout spot

In total there are seven fixtures down for decision on Wednesday afternoon.

ROUND 2: Jack O'Neill, Rice College, controlling the sliotar against Daniel Murnane, Midleton CBS in the Harty Cup Match in UL. Picture: Brendan Gleeson.

Nenagh CBS, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire An Mhainistir Thuaidh, and Christians or Midleton CBS can secure their place in the Harty Cup knockout stages during Wednesday’s Round 2 action.

Both Nenagh and Gaelcholáiste Mhuire on Cork’s northside are part of three-team groups and having won their respective openers a fortnight ago, a second victory today would leave them uncatchable at the top of Group 4 and 6.

Nenagh, who overcame Charleville CBS first time out, play last season’s Munster Senior B champions Hamilton High School Bandon.

Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, meanwhile, will look to build on their stirring victory over reigning Harty champions Cashel CS when they take on Our Lady’s Templemore at Fethard.

In Group 1, Tuesday’s draw between Doon and Rice College Ennis means whoever comes out on top in the all-Cork clash between Midleton CBS and Christians at Bishopstown’s 4G pitch (2pm throw-in) will also be guaranteed a knockout berth.

Barry and Ben Walsh were Midleton’s outstanding performers when having six to spare over Rice College.

The Killeagh and Cork minor pair shared eight white flags between them. On the whole, though, Midleton will need to improve upon the 16 wides registered.

Opponents CBC will be buoyant after last week’s late 1-3 burst saw them come from behind to take maximum points off Doon.

2022 Cork minor midfielder Peter O’Shea was only used as a second half sub because of injury. If the Erin’s Own youngster is fit for inclusion from the off, he will considerably strengthen CBC’s hand.

In Wednesday’s other all-Cork fixture, both St Colman’s Fermoy and Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal are chasing a first victory to keep themselves relevant in Group B and in the hunt for progression. 

Both schools were beaten by five points, at the hands of Thurles CBS and St Joseph’s Tulla respectively, in Round 1.

Another team in need of a win are 22-time champions St Flannan’s. They managed only 0-8 when going down to Ard Scoil Rís. De La Salle Waterford are their Round 2 opponents at Fethard.

In the same Group 3, Harty newcomers Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig will carry a degree of confidence into their game with Ardscoil Rís after sharing the spoils with De La Salle in their top-tier debut.

Group 1: CBC Cork v Midleton CBS, Bishopstown 4G (2pm)

Group 2: St Colman’s Fermoy v Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Bishopstown 4G (12 noon)

Group 3: Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig v Ardscoil Rís, Banteer 4G (2pm); St Flannan’s College, Ennis v De La Salle Waterford, Fethard 4G (12 noon)

Group 4: Nenagh CBS v Hamilton HS Bandon, Banteer (12 noon)

Group 5: Castletroy College v CBS Carrick-on-Suir, UL North Campus 4G (1.30pm)

Group 6: Gaelcholáiste Mhuire an Mhainistir Thuaidh v Our Lady’s Templemore, Fethard 4G (2pm).