Harty Cup Preview: Champions Nenagh CBS and De La Salle clash in prelim quarters
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Nenagh CBS in action. Pic: Padriag Hogan, Sportsfocus
The Harty Cup has reached knockout fare.
Now, one could argue there was a strong knockout element to the final round of group games a fortnight ago, but stalemates, score difference, and results elsewhere were potential lifebuoys on that occasion.
Not here, not today. Win or exit. Those are the terms.
Already waiting in the quarter-final bowl on the far side of Christmas are group winners CBC Cork, Ardscoil Rís, Cashel Community School, and Midleton CBS.
Who will fill out that quarter-final bowl is the job of today's preliminary quarter-finals.
Of the four last-12 fixtures down for decision, the standout clash is that of reigning champions Nenagh CBS and De La Salle, Waterford at Bansha (all games have a 1.30pm start).
Both sides came through the group stages unbeaten and yet both sides find themselves having to negotiate a preliminary quarter-final.
In De La Salle’s case, their involvement in a three-team group meant reward for winning said group was to be thrown into a raffle, along with the other two three-team group winners, for direct progress to the quarter-finals.
Midleton CBS won that particular raffle, and so the Waterford students must jump an extra fence to reach January.
For Nenagh's part, an unbeaten group campaign, not to mind their +21 score difference, wasn't enough to even top their group, never mind seal a quarter-final spot.
The success of Midleton CBS in besting that +21 score difference on the final afternoon of group action relegated the champions to second in Group 4.
De La Salle emerged from their respective group boasting a +35 score difference, and so the impressive form of either side is in no doubt. One of the favourites will fall here.
Elsewhere, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire on the northside of Cork city are bidding to end a seven-year gap to the school’s most recent quarter-final appearance. Blocking their path is Lismore’s Blackwater Community School.
After a heavy opening-day defeat to the aforementioned De La Salle, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire scored a notable 0-22 to 0-20 victory over St Colman’s Fermoy to advance from the group phase.
Factor in the school reaching the recent Dean Ryan Cup decider - albeit the one-sided final result was not what they wanted - and it adds up to Gaelcholáiste Mhuire reasserting themselves on the Munster post-primary map.
2024 Cork minor Craig O’Sullivan will be at the head of efforts in Castlelyons to keep their graph going in the right direction.
The Na Piarsaigh youngster nailed 1-22 across their two group outings. Callum Ó Cofaigh and Lucas Ó Muirthile are others who'll drive their challenge at the East Cork venue.
The Ragg will house a tasty Tipp derby. Perennial challengers Thurles CBS versus Our Lady’s Templemore. Thurles CBS, led by 2024 minor hurler of the year Euan Murray, Tipp U20 Cormac Fitzpatrick, Cillian Minogue, and Jack Hayes, were another side to come through the group phase unbeaten but lose out on top spot because of score difference.
It was St Flannan’s who edged Thurles at the head of Group 6, the Ennis school also in action this Wednesday lunchtime against John the Baptist Community School Hospital.
Flannan’s, with a raft of 2023 All-Ireland minor winners in their ranks, will be expected, the same as Thurles, to secure progression onwards.
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire v Blackwater Community School Lismore, Castlelyons
St Flannan’s v John the Baptist Community School Hospital, TUS Moylish
Thurles CBS v Our Lady’s Templemore, The Ragg
De La Salle Waterford v Nenagh CBS, Bansha.
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