Cork hurling: Three club matches to catch this weekend
David Barry, Bride Rovers, breaks his hurley in this clash with Blarney's Olan Hegarty in their Co-Op Superstores SAHC match at Páirc Uí Rinn. Picture: Dan Linehan
The Rockies' late rally against the Barrs in the opening fixture last year had a huge impact as the 2022 champions subsequently failed to get out of the group.
With both clubs victorious the last day, the pressure is off slightly in a group that also contains Douglas and Kanturk, but what makes the game so appealing is the calibre of hurler in action. Along with a host of Cork stars and panellists, the likes of Gavin Connolly, Niall Cashman, Michael O'Halloran, Daniel Meaney, John Wigginton Barrett, Billy Hennessy and Ciarán Doolin are top-class club hurlers.
William Buckley, Jack Cahalane, Ethan Twomey and Ben Cunningham, on his return from injury, will be eager to show their inter-county potential, for the Blues. Blackrock's Robbie Cotter was also on the extended Cork squad this season.
This is their fifth meeting since 2021 and it stands at two wins apiece this decade.
Blarney just missed out on promotion the last two seasons, so were installed as favourites for 2025. The loss of Pádraig Power to injury takes the edge off their attack though and Bride Rovers put them on the back foot after winning their round one grudge match.
Watergrasshill had a terrific victory over Courcey Rovers the same day, with Seán Desmond once again showing why he's one of the most consistent forwards in Cork as he hit 2-3 and Adam Murphy also goaling. The absence of Dáire O'Leary is a concern but they have savage momentum after pushing on from their PIHC triumph to collect the All-Ireland in Croke Park.
Mark Coleman was in mercurial form against Bride but the Hill will be wary of a Shane Barrett backlash. He could be switched to centre-forward in what would be a fascinating duel with Kevin O'Neill.
The game of the weekend, arguably the pick of the group stages. The first team of these near neighbours haven't met in 33 years and since then, Newtown have collected county, Munster and All-Ireland trophies.
Charleville have had an incredible run of their own, powering their way from junior up through the grades.
Victory for the town side would eliminate their village rivals should Midleton also beat Erin's Own.
Interestingly, former Irish soccer international Dominic Foley is in charge of Charleville. Newtownshandrum could do with the return of attacking talisman Jamie Coughlan from injury.
Other games of note that afternoon are the Premier Junior meeting of Tracton and Ballygarvan at 2pm in Riverstick and the Senior A clash of Na Piarsaigh and Carrigtwohill at 4pm at Páirc Uí Rinn.
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