Hurting St Finbarr's in need of bounceback against momentum-backed rivals Douglas

Douglas' Sean Coakley is tackled by St. Finbarr's Ian O'Callaghan. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

The opening round of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Premier SFC delivered a few surprises three weeks ago. 

So, there is a great deal of interest surrounding this weekend’s fixtures, starting with the derby tie between south city rivals St Finbarr’s and Douglas in Páirc Uí Rinn tonight (7.15pm).

Having suffered defeat to Carrigaline last month, reigning champions St Finbarr’s are suddenly under pressure to get something from this second round game.

A narrow two-point loss it must be said, to the south-east side, this, after being ahead by three points at the change of ends.

But it would appear a third-quarter scoring drought proved costly for Brian Roche’s side, who are tipped by many to go the distance again this season.

A goal by Thomas Egan nearing full time edged St Finbarr’s back in front, but Carrigaline finished stronger to take all two points.

A shock result maybe, as Carrigaline were considered to be the underdogs, but staying right to the very end, as we saw in the Division 2 league final, is nothing new to this team.

The Barrs are hurting and you can be sure they’ll use that pain to try and bounce back, and will be of the opinion that one reversal won’t define them.

Their supporters will be looking for big performances from Steven Sherlock, Brian Hayes, William Buckley and Ian Maguire, to mention just a few.

As well, hoping that Cork captain and midfielder Maguire, who was troubled by a leg injury will have recovered sufficiently.

Momentum is with Douglas though as they head to the Boreenmanna Road venue following their eight-point victory over Mallow, and kicking four goals is proof of their capabilities - three of which came in a dominant second half from Luis Dwan-Fogarty, Adam Cantwell and Seán Coakley.

Rising star Coakley also scored from the penalty spot in the first half.

St. Finbarr's Ricky Barrett wins the ball from Douglas' Adam Cantwell. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

The scoreboard, after playing against the wind, showed just a one-point advantage in their favour at half-time, the reason being a slow start.

Therefore, it would seem the primary task facing Douglas is to perform from beginning to end.

They continue to be short injured duo Nathan Walsh and Alan O’Hare, but Conor Buckley’s squad is sprinkled with other talent such as senior county hurler Shane Kingston and Conor Russell.

It’s three years since Douglas progressed to the knockout stage, beaten then by Duhallow in the quarter-final.

A win or draw would see them unbeaten in Group 1, with the attention then switching back to Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday afternoon for Carrigaline versus Mallow.

St Finbarr’s will be well aware of all these permutations.

When these two teams met in the first round of the championship in 2024, the Togher side came out on top but it was by a mere three points, 1-10 to 0-10.

Douglas will know to expect a reaction, but they too will be keen to maintain their own upward trajectory.

We fully expect they’ll bring the best out in each other.