Cork previews: Castlelyons to shade the weekend's choice final

Alan Fenton, Castlelyons and Conleith Ryan, Bride Rovers. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

SATURDAY

Cork Intermediate AHC final:

Aghabullogue v Bandon, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (W Wallis), 4.30pm 

Aghabullogue were relieved to see John Corkery, an injury absentee for the semi-final victory over Aghada, come through last weekend’s last-four football win without setback. Luke Casey will also come back into the starting team having only been introduced as a semi-final sub owing to soccer commitments earlier the same day. The Bandon defensive effort that reduced Sars to 0-8 will need to be rolled back out here given Aghabullogue are 12 goals for five games. Can Michael Cahalane, Jack Cullinane, and Conor Calnan post a tally to outdo the more balanced Aghabullogue spread?

Verdict: Aghabullogue 

Cork Senior AHC final: 

Bride Rovers v Castlelyons, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (I McCarthy), 6.30pm 

Frontrunner to be the final of the weekend, and not simply because they are next-door neighbours. The expectation was for Bride Rovers to be here, not so in the case of Castlelyons. And yet it is the latter, coached by meticulous Cork U20 manager Noel Furlong, who are being more favourably looked upon following their semi-final stunning of Blarney.

Bride Rovers were fortunate to concede just one green flag against Carrigtwohill. They certainly were carved open enough times in the opening half for the flag to be lifted more than once. That is relevant in light of Castlelyons’ four majors the same night. Does the red-hot Brian Roche stay at centre-forward and give us an intriguing subplot in dancing with Cork teammate Niall O’Leary, or do Bride Rovers move him back into No.14 where he was in prior rounds?

Verdict: Castlelyons 

SUNDAY

Cork Premier Intermediate HC final:

Ballincollig v Ballinhassig, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (P O’Mahony), 1.15pm 

Half of Ballinhassig’s starting forward unit - Adam O’Sullivan, Brian Lynch, and Evan Cullinane - missed the semi-final win over Cloyne because of injury. This young trio, to emphasise their value, contributed 2-6 in Ballinhassig’s 4-13 to 0-19 opening round win over tomorrow’s opponents. Lynch is definitely ruled out, while there are hopes locally O’Sullivan and Cullinane might play some role.

2023 All-Ireland U20 winner James Dwyer came on at half-time in Ballincollig’s semi-final win for what was his first involvement of this championship. He’s a trump card to have in reserve. Cian Dorgan doesn’t appear to be a similar reserve option given he wasn’t able to partake in last Sunday’s football semi. Ronan Curran’s involvement has brought a more authoritative air to this Ballincollig side.

Verdict: Ballincollig