Kilfeacle have the beating of Shannon
The game of the day will be the meeting of former holders Kilfeacle and Shannon at the Tipperary venue. Shannon caused an upset in the last round with a 13-6 win away to Garryowen and go in as underdogs.
Kilfeacle had to battle for their 8-0 win over Abbeyfeale, but showed their true potential last week by defeating old rivals Clanwilliam. They are on a good run and should advance.
Two other sides that had surprising results in the opening round were Midleton and Old Christians, who meet in Midleton. The East Cork side suffered a setback last week, losing their top of the table clash to Thomond, while Old Christians put in another fine performance against Crosshaven. Midleton, if they can repeat that showing against Cobh, will be expected to go into Monday’s Third Round draw.
League leaders Bruff face a difficult tie at home to Clanwilliam and will probably be more concerned with next week’s league clash between the sides. The Cup is Clanwilliam’s aim for the the season, but it is hard to see them ending Bruff’s unbeaten run.
It is an all-senior clash at Musgrave Park, where Dolphin take on UCC. The home side were far from impressive in beating Muskerry two weeks ago, while the college had to rely on a last minute drop goal from Barry Clifford to beat Bandon. Dolphin’s experience should give them the edge.
A youthful Sunday’s Well side face a difficult task away to in-form Skibbereen. Tyrone Taipa has proved a great asset for the West Cork side and with home advantage, it would be a major upset if the ‘Well were to remain in the competition.
Young Munster, going through a difficult patch, will not relish their trip to Clare to face St Senan’s. The home side came unstuck last week away to Cobh and will be anxious to make amends and keep their season alive.
Last season’s beaten finalists Nenagh Ormond begin their campaign with a home tie against Old Crescent and despite their shock defeat last week by Clonmel, they should survive.
Youghal entertain Highfield and both teams needed last minute scores to secure victory two weeks ago - so it should be a close contest.
UL Bohemian will start as favourites at home to St Mary’s. The Saints put in their best performance last week against Richmond and could provide a stiff test for the home side.
Cashel visit Thurles in an all-Tipp clash. Both sides are battling for promotion from the second division. Thurles should shade it, especially after Cashel’s surprise defeat by Castleisland last week.
Thomond, after their win over Midleton, will expect to keep the unbeaten run going with a win over Ennis at Fitzgerald Park.
Second Division leaders Tralee should face little difficulty in overcoming Kinsale at O’Dowd Park.
Castleisland, after successive victories over Fermoy and Cashel, will hope to keep the revival going with a win away to Crosshaven. The home side will start as favourites, but will have to improve on performances of late if they are to be considered contenders.
Richmond, boosted by their win over neighbours St Mary’s last week, should prove too strong for Third Division side Galbally at Richmond Park.
Holders Cork Constitution should follow up on their easy first round victory over Dunmanway with another win away to Waterford City. Waterpark should have little difficulty in making it to Round Three with a victory over Killarney at Ballinakill.
In the first round of the Junior Plate, the big game is the meeting of Abbeyfeale at home to Garryowen, and the new Third Division leaders will hope to cause an upset.
Two First Division sides meet at Cobh where Clonmel are the visitors. Holders Pirates will want to retain the trophy.
Kanturk visit Charleville in a North Cork derby, with the hosts hoping to repeat their league win of earlier in the season.
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