Home comforts for cup hopefuls as Bohs continue title defence

THE Munster Junior Cup dominates the fixture list this weekend.

Cup holders UL Bohs and defeated finalists Garryowen both enjoy home advantage with each expected to progress. Bohs face a Midleton side with two excellent victories in the cup but the East Cork outfit will be underdogs against the champions.

Garryowen are desperate for a good Cup run given the poor league showing and will be confident of defeating Muskerry in Dooradoyle

The standout ties of the weekend see tournament favourites facing very difficult away ties as Cork Con and Cashel travel to Young Munster and Dolphin respectively. The Temple Hill club demolished Waterpark in the previous round but expect a tough contest against Young Munster.

Cashel travel to Musgrave Park where a strong powerful Dolphin team await and with plenty of senior experience in their side, the Cork club will start as favourites.

There will be a tough derby as Galbally host Kilfeacle and despite the divisional gap between these sides there is little to choose between them. Both sides are renowned for a dogged defence and hardworking forwards and home advantage may give Galbally the edge.

Richmond will be confident of defeating Ennis while Crosshaven have a tough task away to St Senan’s in Clare.

Kinsale will hope that their strong runners out wide can be the difference against Clanwilliam while Skibbereen face a potential banana skin away to Waterford City. Meanwhile Kerry giants Castleisland will hope to keep their excellent form going with a home victory over Bruff.

In the only round two match, Highfield bid to make home advantage count against a powerful Mallow team.

There is one big game in Division One as Cobh Pirates host Clonmel. Both teams have 17 points and a win for either should effectively secure top flight status. The teams will be evenly matched and it could well come down to a duel between the kickers; Cobh’s Brendan Ronan and Clonmel’s Morgan Lyons.

There are nine games in the Munster Junior Shield with the pick of the bunch seeing Corca Dhuibhne hosting Bandon. The Gaeltacht club had one of their most memorable days against the Cork outfit in the Junior Three Cup final in 2006 when they claimed their first piece of silverware. They will hope for a repeat performance while Bandon will be keen on revenge.

Carrick-On-Suir and Abbeyfeale will both fancy their chances as they face off at the Tipperary venue while Killarney will be confident of getting the better of St Mary’s.

Newcastle West will expect to advance as they host Scariff while Nenagh Ormond face a tough home game against Newport. Home advantage should help Sunday’s Well get the better of Killorglin while Shandon will be hopeful of getting a much needed win under their belts when they host Kilrush.

Clonakilty will be confident of getting one over on Douglas although it should be a very tight game while Thomond would have too much for a struggling Old Crescent side in their Limerick derby.

There is one game in the Cork County Cup where Old Christians will start as favourites against Fermoy at Rathcooney. In the O’Neill Cup, favourites Ballincollig face a tricky tie as they travel up to Kanturk.