County JAFC quarter-finals preview

THE Bon Secours Hospital County JAFC gets underway this weekend with three quarter-final games down for decision.

The matches are on Sunday, with the teams coming in with a lot of confidence after winning their respective divisions. It does certainly look to be wide open in terms of who will succeed Kilmurry as winners. This particular grade has long been known as one of the toughest grades to win and that is certainly still the case. It’s a minefield and you do need a bit of luck along the way.

Canovee, who won the Muskerry championship two weeks ago for the 17th time, face Imokilly winners Lisgoold in Páirc Uí Rinn at 4pm. The last time Canovee won the Mid-Cork in 2007 they went on to claim the county, Munster and All-Ireland titles. The junior A winners no longer represent Cork beyond the county series so Canovee won’t be able to repeat the trick of that memorable season, but winning the county is a possibility and they will be one of the fancied sides. 

They have a very balanced team. Evan Dodd and Odhran O’Driscoll are key figures in defence while midfielder Conor Dodd has a bundle of energy, forwards Jack Kelleher and Daire McMahon are never found wanting.

Lisgoold won their first ever East-Cork crown at the end of September following a five-point win over Carraig na bhFear in the final, so they are in new territory coming into this one. John Cashman, Liam O’Shea and John Cronin are central figures for Lisgoold.

Macroom is the venue at 2pm for the meeting of Barryroe and Castlemagner in what should be a very interesting encounter. Barryroe won their first ever Carbery title last Friday night following a 1-12 to 0-14 victory over Kilmacabea after extra-time. It was Barryroe’s third consecutive game playing extra-time. Ryan O’Donovan landed 1-8 last weekend and is a big player in this team. Olan O’Donovan and former Tipperary senior footballer Robbie Kiely are also influential figures.

Duhallow side Castlemagner won their first divisional title in 62 years two weeks ago after a 1-14 to 0-7 success over Knocknagree’s second string in the final. Any team from Duhallow are always dangerous opponents and Castlemagner will certainly relish this upcoming game against Barryroe. Danny Linehan, Kyrle Holland and Tadhg Fitzmaurice are all important players for the black and amber.

Avondhu kingpins Killavullen lock horns with Carrigdhoun champions Ballygarvan in Páirc Uí Rinn at 2pm. There were great celebrations after Killavullen’s triumph two weeks ago following a 0-14 to 0-6 win over Charleville in the final, which was their first crown since 2000. They will be keen to keep the feel-good factor going. Liam Cronin, Eoin Birchill and Patrick O’Grady have impressed for the team in blue and white thus far.

Ballygarvan beat neighbours Ballinhassig in the divisional final last Saturday on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-5. Donald O’Sullivan, Kevin Lyons and Evan O’Connor are integral figures for the Garvans.