Kanturk may prove too strong for Mary’s

After the heavy rain washed out the majority of last weekend’s Junior Cup ties, only one game is rearranged for this weekend, as Kanturk host St Mary’s.

There are a handful of other cup games and two finals, including the Challenge Shield and Gleeson League deciders.

The cup clash should be a very interesting tie between two-in form teams. Kanturk have been the surprise package in the top flight, although Richmond are still firmly in control of the league’s destination so the North Cork side will be focused on a strong cup run.

While they have proved to be excellent across the field, it has been Kanturk’s pack which has taken many of the plaudits, with Bryan O’Neill and Dan McCabe able to stamp their authority on many games. Outside of them, Kanturk have probably the most impressive half-backs in junior ranks, with Paul Cotter and Dara Meade central to their success.

However, they cannot take St Mary’s lightly. The Limerick City side have enjoyed a strong campaign themselves and are well in the hunt for a promotion place from Division Two.

The kicking of Sean Lyons has been key to their success while the likes of Sean Barry and Stuart Lipper very capable of breaking down many defences. They will battle work against their more fancied rivals, but if Kanturk reproduce their league form they should prove too strong.

There should be a big crowd in Charleville tomorrow as Presentation and Newcastle West battle it out for the Junior Challenge Shield in what should be a very hard-fought local derby. Both teams are going strong in Division Two and victory here could also help boost confidence for the league run-in.

Shane Lynch has been one of the standout performers for Pres and the Newcastle West defence will need to keep a close eye on him.

Newcastle West will be battle-hardened from their cup game against Shannon last week, and the scoreline was certainly harsh on them as they pushed the city side all the way. Tommy Kelleher is one of their key players but they will hope a big effort from their front-men can set up the platform for victory.

Another final takes place tonight in LIT as Garryowen and Thomond compete for the Gleeson League title. It should be a very exciting derby between two sets of players who know each other very well.

There are a handful of other Cup games taking place on Sunday. The pick of these is the clash of two of the top sides in the province as Richmond host Garryowen’s Seconds. They are both top of their respective leagues, although Richmond still haven’t made certain of the title. It should be an intriguing encounter.

Charleville will be hoping to cause an upset on Sunday when they host Youghal in the County Cup. The East Cork side will hope their dangerous backline can get into space but Charleville are renowned for their stubborn defence and will look for Shane Corkery to inspire them to success.

In the O’Neill Cup, Ballincollig will be badly looking for a morale-boosting win against Fermoy after a poor season to date.