Cork GAA: Three matches to catch in last round of club football group stages
Seán Powter, Douglas, and Luke Fahy, Ballincollig, in action in the 2019 quarter-final. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
The elevation of Aghabullogue manager and Kerry native Ray Keane to the Cork U20 role adds extra interest to what should be a very entertaining game.
Aghabullogue were runners-up last season and with two victories already this term are in a strong position to challenge again.
However, if they're beaten by Aghada and Nemo get the better of Bantry, there will be a three-way tie to get out of the group and scoring difference will come into play. Aghabullogue are +8, Agahda +2 and Nemo +1, so there will be real tension coming down the stretch of this is tight.
While it's all to play for in the lower grades, this is the only top-tier game where the result will dictate who progresses to the knockout stages.
Ballincollig need to win as Douglas have the superior scoring difference, which could yet be a factor in what's certain to be a tight contest. Collig were outstanding in the opening round against Nemo but paid the price for a poor third quarter having dominated the first half. In contrast, Douglas never raised a gallop against their neighbours.
However, Douglas outclassed St Michael's and Ballincollig needed a last-gasp Peter O'Neill two-pointer to salvage a draw. Formlines are difficult to read.
Shane Kingston was absent for the hurlers last weekend through illness but the footballers' brightest spark against Nemo. His availability would be a major boost for Douglas. The Muskerry side would get a big lift if Aussie Rules ace Liam O'Connell, whose younger brother Ben is having a fine debut campaign, is allowed to line out.
Two former Cork players will be in opposite dugouts, with Paudie Kissane coaching Douglas and Paddy O'Shea involved with Ballincollig.
The clubs will also collide in the quarter-final of the U21 county next month, while in the Premier 1 Minor Football championship, they're favourites to meet in the final.
Éire Óg are aiming to replicate Carrigaline's achievement of bouncing straight back up following relegation. However, they're in a finely poised group with Kanturk and Newmarket where all four clubs have a win apiece.
Kanturk and Éire Óg have better scoring difference, so draws will do them.
This clash in Donoughmore should be a belter with a sprinkling of elite footballers including Colm O'Callaghan, the O'Hanlon brothers and former Kerry senior Mark Griffin. The high fielding of young Éire Óg midfielder Darragh Clifford, whose brother Colm is a tenacious defender, could be a highlight.
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