Weekend previews: St Finbarr's must deliver against Newcestown, Blackrock to continue knockout run
Alan Connolly of Blackrock surges forward. Pic: Dan Linehan
Two sides already sure of their progression after taking four points from a possible four. However, what lies beyond them post-group depends on who comes out on top in Grenagh. A win provides the victors with a possible ticket to the semi-final, while the losers must settle for a quarter-final matchup in a tricky and competitive championship.
Verdict: Blarney
Neither side can reach the knockouts, but both will be mightily eager to avoid slipping into relegation trouble. Castlelyons - last year's beaten finalists, after a replay - are in uncharted territory. Blarney's Mark Coleman sentenced them to defeat in the opener before Watergrasshill dispatched them two weeks ago. For both Ballyea and Castlelyons, it's about getting over the line in Mallow.
Verdict: Castlelyons
This one's pretty simple. Killeagh and Na Piarsaigh's work thus far means the winner takes a quarter-final berth. Na Piarsaigh's greater scoring difference means a draw will do them in Midleton.
Verdict: Na Piarsaigh
Erin's Own are certain of a place in the knockouts, as they are of their place at the summit of Group 2, but they will have designs on securing a last-four berth. Beyond that, they'll believe they can return to the Premier SHC at the first time of asking. Fermoy need to garner points to try and avoid the relegation play-off.
Verdict: Erin's Own
A win against basement-dwellers Courceys - who also hold a chance of knockout qualification - would guarantee business-end involvement for Inniscarra. This one should be very tight, but we're giving Courceys the nod.
Verdict: Courcey Rovers
A win or draw will do for 2025 PIHC champions Ballinhassig. Defeat might still see the current table-toppers through, but that would depend on the goings-on between Carrigtwohill and Inniscarra.
Verdict: Ballinhassig
Verdict: Nemo Rangers
Verdict: Kilshannig
Verdict: Cloughduv
Verdict: St Catherine's
Verdict: Draw
Verdict: Barryroe
Blackrock will be fond of being the only Premier SHC side to qualify from the group stages every year since 2020. They can keep that record going by taking something from this clash with Kanturk.
The Duhallow side sit on two points and need to garner points against Jamie Harrington's Blackrock outfit to put pressure on Glen Rovers, who currently occupy second place.
Verdict: Blackrock
Fr O'Neill's are in serious danger of having to face a relegation play-off and must front up to a really difficult assignment against the Glen. The Ballymacoda/Ladysbridge men must aim to beat Sunday's opponents by a large margin and hope that Blackrock hammer Kanturk.
Simon Kennefick and Eoin O’Leary's late show for the Glen last time out against Kanturk mean they are in prime position to qualify.
Verdict: Glen Rovers
This is more or less a straight shootout between Sars and Douglas, but it would be considered a big surprise if they were to topple the reigning champions. A draw would do Sars.
Verdict: Sarsfields
Charleville are the only side safely through to the business end and have secured top spot in Group 2 already. Darragh Fitzgibbon and co. will be aiming to seal that coveted semi-final spot.
Verdict: Charleville
Battling relegation fears, Newcestown were desperately unlucky not to get something from the Midleton game and will look to target man Sean O'Donovan to lead their attack again.
Second-placed Barrs are shorn of the threat of both Brian Hayes and Jack Cahalane but we're still backing the Togher outfit. Newcestown won't be departing the championship without a fight, however.
Verdict: St Finbarr's
Midleton are in pole position to qualify. Last year's beaten finalists can do so even if they lose, in combination with a decent St Finbarr's victory over Newcestown. Bride Rovers will need big performances from duo Brian Roche and Adam Walsh, provided they are fit, if they are to topple the Magpies.
Verdict: Midleton
Both are guaranteed to progress; this is a top-spot decider in Ballyanley. Each have accounted for Muskerry opposition Éire Óg, as well as Bishopstown in the opening two rounds. The carrot here is a possible ticket straight to the semi-final, where a draw will do Aghabullogue.
Verdict: Ballincollig
It's all about avoiding the relegation play-off finishing in the safety of third in the group for this pair. Bishopstown hold the slight advantage of their score difference being one better off than their Éire Óg counterparts.
Verdict: Éire Óg
Cloyne are guaranteed to finish at the Group 2 summit but, depending on results elsewhere, they will need to put up a big score in Shanagarry if they are to take that semi spot. The Lisgoold mission is to stave off the relegation play-off, which could prove a difficult task.
Verdict: Cloyne
A knockout tie that gives Dungourney the benefit of being able to settle for a draw, not that that will be anywhere near the forefront of their minds against a bunch of players they know so well from their underage days.
Verdict: Dungourney
Group 3
A win is the necessary feat for Carrigaline here, whereas a draw will do Kilworth given their greater points total and scoring difference.
Verdict: Carrigaline
Valleys are safely through in first, having taken care of business against both Carrigaline and Kilworth. With automatic semi-final qualification a realistic target in Ballinspittle, they should be too strong for a Ballymartle side with hopes of grabbing second place.
Verdict: Valley Rovers
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