SAFC preview: Rivals Knocknagree and Kanturk clash in quarter-final tie

The McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC hots up this weekend with three decisive matches taking place.

Two interesting quarter-final encounters and a final that no one wants to be in, that is the relegation play-off.

Knocknagree and Kanturk go head-to-head in a tasty Duhallow derby at the quarter-final juncture tomorrow in Kilbrin (5pm).

John Fintan Daly’s charges were installed as the favourites before the start of the championship and even though the chasing pack has shifted, Knocknagree remain the team to beat.

They drew a bonkers game with Cill na Martra before workmanlike wins over Clyda Rovers and Fermoy in the group stage.

The return of Anthony O’Connor over the past year or so following a serious injury has really boosted Knocknagree and added further scoring power.

They have plenty of talented forwards with Eoghan McSweeney, Killian Cronin and Denis R O’Connor also well aware of where the goal posts are.

Kanturk can count themselves a tad fortunate to have qualified having done so on scoring difference from their group, but they will want to make the most of it now.

Their graph has been trending in the right direction though since an opening day loss to Éire Óg.

Kanturk beat Kilshannig and drew with Newmarket.

Grantas Bucinskas was the main scoring threat against Newmarket, but Ian and Colin Walsh can also be difference makers.

Ronan Cashman is a decent goalkeeper at this grade with Tommy Walsh in the half-back line beneficial both in defence and attack.

Ballyanly is the venue on Sunday for the meeting of Éire Óg and Bishopstown in the other quarter-final contest with a start time of 3pm.

Éire Óg suffered demotion from the top-tier last season as they look to do what Newcestown and Carrigaline have done in the last two years by bouncing straight back up.

They will be pleased to have come through a difficult group phase that included Kanturk, Newmarket and last year’s PIFC winners Kilshannig.

Darragh Clifford and Johnny Galvin have given their side another dimension. Brian Hurley and Dylan Foley can cause problems for the Bishopstown full-back line.

Chris Kelly will look to continue his great form in between the sticks as will Colm O'Callaghan around the midfield area.

Bishopstown fell at this stage last year after a two-point loss to the eventual winners Carrigaline.

Building on that would be a step in the right direction and with Brian Cuthbert at the wheel, the city side will be full of confidence.

After wins over Dohenys and O’Donovan Rossa in their group, Bishopstown did slip up against Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, but they were already through.

Darragh O’Connor is a huge part of Bishopstown’s machine. He played wing-back last time out and will need to be on song again if they want the desired outcome.

Conor Dunne and Gary Holland are two forwards who can be hugely influential in this one.

The relegation play-off takes place tomorrow as O’Donovan Rossa and Fermoy fight for their championship lives.

Páirc Uí Rinn is the venue at 5pm. Many people may be surprised by O’Donovan Rossa being in this position.

They did reach the semi-finals in 2022 and they will be disappointed with how it has transpired since.

Kevin Davis and Tomás Hegarty can fire the West Cork outfit to safety.

Fermoy are in this position once again after defeating Ilen Rovers at this stage in 2023.

That experience should stand for something. Ben Twomey, home from Australia for a short period, kicked 0-4 two weeks ago in Fermoy’s 1-14 to 2-5 loss against Knocknagree.