In-form Pirates look to sink high-flying Clonmel

It is a busy weekend of cup action with two finals down for decision and a series of intriguing encounters throughout the province.

The headline game is the Clubs Cup decider between Cobh Pirates and Clonmel in Fermoy. The Tipperary outfit, backboned by John Cooney and Neville Melbourne, are hot favourites given their tremendous league run.

The Pirates reside at the other end of the league table but have hit form in recent weeks. The kicking of Eoin Geary will be crucial to their chances as they bid to atone for last year’s decider defeat to St Mary’s.

In the Shield showpiece, Bandon are tipped to defeat Mallow in Ballincollig. With promotion guaranteed, Bandon will turn their full attention to claiming some early season silverware.

There are eight games in the Junior Cup, with two of the most eye-catching matches fixed for Limerick. Newcastle West, out of contention for league honours, face a difficult trip to Young Munster while Garryowen host a Clanwilliam side which reached last season’s final. Two sides who caused upsets in the opening round, Carrigaline and Fethard, face tough trips to Kanturk and Kinsale respectively.

Highfield are one of the stronger senior clubs left in this competition but they will have a tough test away to Waterpark.

Thomond and Cashel should be well matched as they face-off at Liam Fitzgerald Park while St Mary’s should prove too strong for Killarney. In the other cup game, Presentation’s home advantage could be decisive against Midleton.

In the plate, Cork Con and UCC meet at Temple Hill while Douglas will seek revenge against Charleville having lost out in the promotion race.