Dr Harty Cup: Two all-Cork 'knockout' ties as group stages conclude

Today’s final set of group fixtures in the TUS Dr Harty Cup (all 1.30pm) features two all-Cork matchups that serve as winner-take-all ties.

In the three-team Group 5, both Gaelcholáiste Mhuire and St Colman’s College have lost to De La Salle, meaning that the Waterford city school have secured top spot. It means that the two Cork sides will clash at Watergrasshill in what is essentially a knockout tie, with the winners finishing in second place and advancing to the preliminary quarter-finals.

On October 26, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire lost to De La Salle in Ballinameela on a 3-26 to 1-17 scoreline and a fortnight ago St Colman’s were beaten by 4-23 to 0-15 at Fraher Field. It means that ‘the AG’ hold a five-point scoring-difference advantage in the table and so a draw would be enough for them to advance.

Craig Ó Súilleabháin is likely to be the main scoring outlet for Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, with Jamie Ó hÉigeartaigh, Darragh Ó Conaill and Conchúir Ó Maonaigh also likely to be key for them. Fionn Lardner scored 11 points for Colman’s in their loss to De La Salle, while the Fermoy school will also look to Liam Óg Hegarty and Brian McGrath.

Group 4 also comprises three teams and has already been won by a non-Cork school, setting up a Leeside derby today. First day out, Midleton drew 0-19 each with holders Nenagh CBS, who then enjoyed a 7-15 to 1-12 triumph against St Francis College Rochestown last Wednesday week.

It means that a win or a draw will do Midleton against Rochestown at the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G today, though they will be without the injured Barry Walsh. While he is a loss, they can still call upon James O’Brien, Cillian O’Callaghan and Walsh’s cousin Ben. Mark O’Brien will carry much of the scoring burden for Rochestown, who are set to be without Brian Lynch after a red card the last day. Ronan Dooley and Fionn O’Keeffe can also be influential for them.

Christian Brothers College are already guaranteed qualification after wins over Doon’s Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa and Rice College of Ennis. However, they still need to avoid defeat against John The Baptist CS of Hospital in Banteer today in order to guarantee themselves top spot.

Eoghan O’Shea has been in good scoring form for Christians while Michael Tadhg Brosnan bagged 1-5, all from play, against Rice College in the last match. Cillian Murray scored three points after coming on as a sub as CBC lost both Conor McCarthy and James Murray while Ben Mayer was to the fore as well. In that section’s other game, Doon need to beat Rice College in Cratloe and hope that Christians win but they must also turn around a 22-point scoring difference.

Unfortunately, Coláiste Choilm are already eliminated before they face Ardscoil Rís in Mallow while it is a similar situation for Charleville CBS, who take on St Joseph’s Secondary School of Tulla.

TUS DR HARTY CUP FIXTURES (1.30pm unless stated)

Group 1: Rice College Ennis v Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa Doon, UL North Campus (3pm); CBC Cork v John The Baptist CS Hospital, Banteer (1.45pm).

G roup 2: Ardscoil Rís v Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig, Mallow.

Group 3: Charleville CBS v St Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla, Cappamore; Cashel CS v Blackwater CS Lismore.

Group 4: Midleton CBS v St Francis College Rochestown, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G.

Group 5: Gaelcholáiste Mhuire v St Coman’s College Fermoy, Watergrasshill.
Group 6: St Flannan’s College Ennis v Tralee CBS, Rathkeale.