Cork GAA previews: Clon's need is greater in Carrigaline clash

Clonakilty were just a point shy of the Barrs in Round 1, but Carrigaline has two points in the bag.

Conor Dennehy, St. Finbarr's, Tom Clancy, Clonakilty. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

SATURDAY (6.30 unless stated)

Premier SFC Group 1: Valley Rovers v Castlehaven, Clonakilty: The Haven only played in patches in Round 1, and that was enough, and that was without Brian Hurley. They can hurt you from everywhere. Valley Rovers, however, still look to the considerable talents of Fiachra Lynch.

Verdict: Castlehaven.

SAFC Group 1: Newmarket v Éire Óg, Carrigadrohid: It was important for Éire Óg to win their first game after last year’s demotion. Chris Kelly ensured that they did. Now, they need to push on. Hugh O’Connor will lead Newmarket; he’ll need a big day if they are going to bounce back from their Round 1 loss.

Verdict: Éire Óg.

SAFC Group 3: Dohenys v Béal Átha ‘n Ghaorthaidh, Inchigeela: In a delicately poised group, the value of Béal Átha’s point form Round 1 will become clearer after this game. Captain Donagh Seartan earned them that point while Dohenys were reeled in and overtaken by Bishopstown despite 1-4 from Fionn Herlihy.

Verdict: Draw.

Premier IFC Group 1: Bantry Blues v Aghada, Kilmichael, 4.30: Both sides need a win here to get their seasons back on track. Dara Sheedy might turn the tie in Bantry’s favour, Aghada will need Diarmuid Byrne to shine.

Verdict: Bantry Blues.

Premier IFC Group 2: Nemo Rangers v Aghabullogue, Cloughduv, 4.30: Aghabullogue looked good in defeating Bantry in Round 1 with Luke Casey to the fore. Nemo’s chances will hinge on what players their seniors used Friday night, Jack Coogan was their top-scorer the last day.

Verdict: Aghabullogue.

Premier IFC Group 2: Rockchapel v Bandon, Clondrohid: Both sides didn’t lose too much in defeat in Round 1 and will fancy themselves here. Nicholas Lenihan looked sharp for the Rock, as did Mikey Cahalane for Bandon.

Verdict: Bandon.

Premier IFC Group 3: Macroom v Kiskeam, Dromtariffe: These two sides are in dire need of a win after both facing relegation playoffs last year. Fintan Goold continues to serve better than anyone for Macroom, Kiskeam will look to Seán O’Sullivan to help them over the line.

Verdict: Macroom.

IAFC Group 1: St Finbarr’s v Adrigole, Skibbereen, 4.30. Verdict: Adrigole.

IAFC Group 2: Kildorrery v Gabriel Rangers, Belgooly, 4.30: Verdict: Gabriel Rangers.

IAFC Group 3: Ilen Rovers v Kilmurry, Rossmore. Verdict: Kilmurry.

Premier JFC Group 1: Urhan v Ballydesmond, Cill na Martra, 4.30. Verdict: Ballydesmond.

Premier JFC Group 2: Cullen v Kinsale, Ballyvourney. Verdict: Cullen.

Premier JFC Group 3: Glenville v Inniscarra, Carraig na bhFear, 4.30. Verdict: Inniscarra.

Premier JFC Group 3: Millstreet v Buttevant, Mallow, 7pm. Verdict: Buttevant.

SUNDAY (4pm unless stated)

Premier SFC Group 2: Carrigaline v Clonakilty, Bandon, 2pm: The most intriguing game of the weekend. Clonakilty were just a point shy of the Barrs in Round 1, but Carrig has two points in the bag. Carrig, led by the Coakley brothers, will look at this as a chance to get out of the group, but Clon’s need, and balance, should be greater.

Verdict: Clonakilty.

Premier SFC Group 2: St Finbarr’s v Carbery Rangers, Bandon: The Barrs should be more fluent than they were six days after the All-Ireland Final though Brian Hayes’ involvement may be minimal. In Steven Sherlock, they have a man born for the new rules. Ross fell agonisingly short to Carrigaline in Round 1, though the form of John O’Rourke is a positive.

Verdict: St Finbarr’s.

Premier SFC Group 3: Ballincollig v St Michael’s, Páirc Uí Rinn: Ballincollig are the masters of bouncing back from a first-round loss. They will feel they left the game against Nemo behind them after Sean O’Neill’s goal put them in the ascendency. St Michael’s are struggling, were poor against Douglas in round one, and will need a huge performance from Luke O’Herlihy. That may not even suffice.

Verdict: Ballincollig.

SAFC Group 1: Kilshannig v Kanturk, Ballyclough: Kilshannig are riding the wave of promotion. Éanna O’Hanlon’s star continues to rise and they will see this as a chance to put one foot into the knockout stages. Kanturk came up just short against Éire Óg, and driven on by the Walshes, their need may be greater.

Verdict: Kanturk.

SAFC Group 2: Knocknagree v Clyda Rovers, Newmarket: Three years ago, these two sides clashed in the semi-final with Knocknagree winning by two points. The Duhallow men have maintained their form since, while Clyda’s had fluctuated. The return of Conor Corbett gives them plenty up front, but Knocknagree will be confident that Daniel O’Mahony can hold him.

Verdict: Knocknagree.

SAFC Group 3: O’Donovan Rossa v Bishopstown, Ballinascarthy: Bishopstown’s steady progress with a young side continued with an excellent Round 1 win over Dohenys with Odhran Foley’s 1-1 proving crucial. Elliott Connolly and Niall Daly took the scoring burden off Kevin Davis for Skibb in their draw with Béal Átha.

Verdict: Draw.

Premier IFC Group 2: Glanmire v Naomh Abán, Coachford: The return to fitness and form of Ed Myers is a major boost to the Gaeltacht men who are that bit further down the road than a young Glanmire side for whom Cathal McCarthy starred in Round 1.

Verdict: Naomh Abán.

Premier IFC Group 3: Uibh Laoire v Castletownbere, Kealkil: Uibh Laoire won’t have it as easy as they did in Round 1 where Chris Óg Jones ran riot. Fintan Fenner will lead Castletown, but Uibh Laoire have a more balanced attack.

Verdict: Uibh Laoire.

IAFC Group 1: Ballinora v Glanworth, Pairc Uí Rinn, 2pm. Verdict: Ballinora.

IAFC Group 2: Mitchelstown v Dromtarriffe, Glantane, 2pm. Verdict: Mitchelstown.

IAFC Group 3: St Vincent’s v Boherbue, Kilmurry, 2pm. Verdict: Boherbue.

Premier JFC Group 1: St Nick’s v Canovee, Ballyanley, 2pm. Verdict: Canovee.

Premier JFC Group 2: Na Piarsaigh v Cobh, Caherlag, 2pm. Verdict: Cobh.