Crucial league ties still in the pipeline

MOST teams finish their League campaigns this weekend with the final full round of fixtures across all three divisions. While some of the major issues are sorted there is still plenty to play for in all three Divisions.

Things look most interesting in the battle against relegation from Division Two with five points separating the bottom four, with one team set to take the dreaded drop. Two of those sides clash as Ennis host Muskerry with the Clare side also enjoying the luxury of an extra game and they would need huge misfortune to be relegated.

They are five points clear of bottom side Charleville and a solitary bonus point from their remaining two games will guarantee safety. The Clare side should be good enough to pick up a result and their strong pack should exert immense pressure. Muskerry need a win to be sure and they will hope that players such as DJ O’Leary and Eoin Corcoran can create openings and it should be a very intense encounter.

Charleville are the side propping up the table and even if they succeed in getting a win at St Mary’s they could still be faced with relegation. Shane Corkery and Peadar Cronin will have to be at their best to give the North Cork side a win but St Mary’s will want to finish the season on a high with Darren Clancy and Sean Lyons capable of breaking Charleville’s hearts.

Kinsale would have expected to be in the hunt for a promotion spot, but their performances have been very inconsistent. They are four points ahead of Charleville and have the difficult task of facing Galbally, albeit at the Cork venue. Kinsale can produce on their day and will need to on Sunday.

Galbally have already been promoted, but will want to secure the League title and maintain their long winning streak.

Kanturk are in contention for the Division Two title but will firstly just be aiming to guarantee promotion. They face a tough trip to Castleisland but if they reproduce last week’s form against Mallow they should secure their place in the top flight.

With a game in hand, Newcastle West can still catch Kanturk if they slip up but will have to aim for a bonus point victory over a dangerous Youghal side to have any real hope.

Killarney host Bandon while Mallow travel to Newport in the other Division Two matches with all sides aiming to finish as high as possible.

In Division Three, there should be a big crowd in Scariff as they will bid to secure promotion at home to Waterford City . The East Clare team have been superb all season with Barry Gibbons and James Kelly among their key players. A win for the visitors could see them go into second place, but Scariff would then have another chance as they have a game in hand against Corca Dhuibhne.

The Clare could also claim the League title with two wins but Presentation will aim to end those hopes with a win at Abbeyfeale. Fermoy, Dungarvan and Corca Dhuibhne will all be aiming to maximise home advantage in the other Third Division clashes this weekend.

In the top flight, the only major issue left is who will join Richmond and Crosshaven in next year’s All-Ireland Cup, with three sides looking to fill the other two spots. They all face difficult games against the top three.

Kilfeacle will look to put the only dent on Cashel’s campaign. The League winners have a couple of big Cup games coming up but want to keep their 100% record intact. Local pride is also at stake and it should be a hard fought game. If Ger and Shane Luby can inspire Kilfeacle they could be close to causing an upset.

Clanwilliam have enjoyed a superb season following promotion with players such as John Reddigan and Richard Childs inspiring them to a superb campaign.

They will fancy their chances of getting a win over Richmond who have a couple of injuries and may not have as much heart after losing their Title decider recently.

Clanwilliam will be hoping that one of the sides above them will slip up.

Tralee lie in fifth place a point ahead of Clanwilliam and must focus on their game away to Crosshaven.

The Kerry side will hope that the Cork team have their mind on next week’s All-Ireland Junior Cup final. Tralee with quality players such as Danny Giles and Gareth Walsh they could get the better of the Myrtleville team.

In the other clashes, relegated Ballincollig face a tough trip to Skibbereen while Waterpark should get the better of Clonmel.

Cobh Pirates and Senan’s will be aiming not to finish second bottom when they face-off while Thurles should make good use of home advantage against Old Christians.