Premier JFC preview: Duhallow rivals Millstreet and Ballydesmond battle it out for survival 

The McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC enters the business end this weekend with two quarter-finals and a local derby relegation play-off down for decision.

Given Duhallow rivals Millstreet and Ballydesmond go head-to-head in a battle for survival, it’s hard not to start with that one.

A large crowd is expected to make their way to Boherbue today for a 2pm throw-in time, as both teams look to avoid dropping down to the Junior A grade, a place where Millstreet haven't been since 2014, 2007 for Ballydesmond.

Going down would be a massive blow for whichever side is beaten. It’s well-known that Junior A is the toughest one of them all to win as you basically have to win two championships to earn promotion, your own division and then the county.

Millstreet didn’t lose in their last group game, but it felt like one. They led by two points against Glenville, but a two-pointer at the death from Ciarán O’Leary levelled proceedings and in the process plunged Millstreet into the relegation play-off.

Cork senior footballer Darragh Cashman has operated at centre-forward recently. He needs more help though up front.

Kevin Crowley brings inter-county experience to the defence having played for Cork.

Donncha O’Connor continues to be Ballydesmond’s leading marksman. He kicked 1-4 two weeks ago against Canovee. Niall Fleming is another Ballydesmond stalwart in the forward area.

In Donoughmore today, last year’s beaten finalists Canovee take on Cullen at 4pm at the quarter-final stage.

The team in black and amber haven’t really clicked so far this year albeit injuries haven't helped.

Conor Dodd, Odhran O’Driscoll, Mark Healy and Jack Kelleher can help Canovee reach the last four.

Cork senior footballer Luke Murphy is in top form at the moment. If he’s on song, Cullen will fancy themselves of having a decent chance of extending their campaign.

Last year’s County JAFC winners Inniscarra will look to keep up their momentum when they meet Cobh in the second of the quarter-finals. Grenagh is the venue this afternoon from 4pm.

The Muskerry men did lose to Buttevant in their final group game, but they were already through.

Cork senior hurler Seán O’Donoghue is also a very decent footballer. He can help steer his team into the next round.

Liam O’Connor, who stood out for Muskerry in recent years, will be a central player up front.

Cobh will look to the likes of Timmy Wilk, Diarmuid Kearney and Jack Ronan.