West Cork derby the pick of first round ties

THE clash between this year’s semi-finalists Carbery Rangers and 2009 champions Clonakilty is the highlight in the draw for the first round of next year’s Cork SFC.

The meeting of the west Cork neighbours is the glamour tie, with the pairing of O’Donovan Rossa and Dohenys another attractive match. Reigning champions UCC will face Seandun in the division and colleges section while beaten finalists Castlehaven must face Aghada.

Newcomers Newmarket face a difficult task against the 2010 finalists St Finbarr’s while Nemo Rangers will play Bishopstown. The remaining ties see Ilen Rovers up against Ballincollig, St Nicholas meeting Newcestown and Douglas play Na Piarsaigh.

In the Premier IFC grade, the meeting of the beaten finalists for the last three years Clyda Rovers and Bantry Blues is the marquee fixture. This season’s IFC champions Kinsale must play Nemo Rangers’ second team while there is a mid-Cork derby as Ballinora and Naomh Aban clash.

Finally in the IFC grade, there are local derbies in the Avondhu clash of Glanworth and Fermoy and the Muskerry meeting of Canovee and Aghabullogue. Recent county junior champions Kanturk will make their IFC bow against Castletownbere.