Club previews: Dingle look to retain title when they face Dr Crokes

Liam Hassett’s Laune Rangers certainly impressed seeing off Fossa last weekend despite the herculean efforts of David Clifford.

FINAL CLASH: The fine form of Paul Geaney has been a major highlight as Dingle look to defend their 2023 crown. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

SATURDAY

Kerry JPFC quarter-finals

Currow v Firies, Currow 5pm.

Verdict: Firies.

Keel v St Senan’s, Keel 5pm.

Verdict: Keel.

Kerry JFC quarter-finals 

Cordal v Lispole, Cordal 5pm

Verdict: Cordal.

Duagh v Cromane, Duagh 6pm.

Verdict: Duagh.

Cork Premier SHC

Kanturk v Midleton, Castletownroche, 6.45pm

These teams will meet again as their clash last weekend was cancelled after a member of the crowd was taken ill. Kanturk had been leading 1-0 to 0-2 with Cork footballer Paul Walsh netting a fine solo goal in between two Conor Lehane frees. Both sides will be looking to pick up from where they left off as they try to make it two wins from two.

Verdict: Midleton.

SUNDAY

Kerry SFC club final

Dingle v Dr Crokes, Austin Stack Park 3.30pm Live TG4.

The fine form of Paul Geaney has been a major highlight as Dingle look to defend their 2023 crown. It remains to be seen if he decides to extend his inter-county career into next year but he has been once more a force and scored 2-7, 1-4 from play, against Dr Crokes in the group game in late July. Both teams came through cracking semi-finals and will be the better for them. It’s six years since Crokes last tasted club SFC success but Tony Brosnan appears to be coming to the boil at just the right time. Another high-scoring affair is store but Dingle can retain the Michael O’Connor Cup. 

Verdict: Dingle.

Waterford SHC final

Abbeyside v Ballygunner, Fraher Field 2.30pm.

That TG4 cameras aren’t in Dungarvan on Sunday would suggest they have seen enough of Ballygunner dominating finals. They are storytellers but at this stage everybody knows this tale. Abbeyside have quality in both halves of the field but to expect them to end Ballygunner’s 57-game unbeaten run in this competition is asking a lot. That’s not to say they can’t trouble them and their eye for goal could give them a real shout of making this competitive long into the second half. However, Ballygunner always seem to find a way. Pauric Mahony is blossoming after inter-county retirement as others like his brother Philip, Barry Coughlan and Stephen O’Keeffe have done so before him. An 11th straight county title on the way for Darragh O’Sullivan’s side. 

Verdict: Ballygunner.

Monaghan SHC semi-finals

Castleblayney v Monaghan Harps, Truagh 2pm.

Verdict: Castleblayney.

Inniskeen v Carrickmacross, Truagh 3.45pm.

Verdict: Inniskeen.

Kerry JPFC quarter-finals

Ardfert v Castlegregory, Lerrig 4pm.

Verdict: Ardfert.

Ballymacelligott v Annascaul, John Mitchels 12.30pm.

Verdict: Ballymacelligott.

Kerry JFC quarter-finals

Knocknagoshel v St Michael’s Foilmore, Meenbannivane 2pm.

Verdict: Knocknagoshel.

Skellig Rangers v Tarbert, Portmagee 1pm.

Verdict: Tarbert.

Cork Divisions / Colleges Hurling Championship Final

Imokily v Muskerry, Pairc Uí Rinn 7pm

Both sides impressed in their respective semi-finals victories - Imokily destroyed Avondhu 5-24 to 0-12 while Muskerry defeated UCC 3-18 to 2-15. This could be a high-scoring thriller.

Verdict: Imokily.