PIHC and IAHC draws: All East Cork group is one to watch

Last year’s beaten finalists Ballincollig, who lost out to Ballinhassig in the Co-op Superstores PIHC decider, will be hoping it’s their year.

And if they needed an incentive to get their campaign off to a winning start then who better to be drawn against than your near-neighbours Bishopstown.

This certainly won’t be one that either side will want to lose, and it has the potential to be a top-class tie, with local bragging rights at stake.

They are joined in that group by Éire Óg and Aghabullogue, another two sides not too far from each other, and yet another game neither one will want to lose to their near-neighbours.

The luck of the draw sees last year’s semi-finalists, Cloyne and Dungourney, drawn against each other in a group that is an East Cork battle.

Along with the two of them the other sides in Group 2 are Castlemartyr and Lisgoold, and you can bet all those games will draw massive crowds and hopefully they will be kept in the area.

You would have to be a brave person to try and name the two that will emerge from that group, with two top-class sides going to exit the championship at a relatively early stage.

But the derby clashes continue with Carrigaline drawn against Valley Rovers in their opening tie, again another that local bragging rights will be very much at stake in.

It should be a top-class opening round to this championship, and all sides be fancying their chances of getting off to a winning start.

The groups are: Group 1: Bishopstown, Ballincollig, Éire Óg, and Aghabullogue.

Group 2: Dungourney, Cloyne, Castlemartyr, and Lisgoold.

Group 3: Carrigaline, Valley Rovers, Kilworth, and Ballymartle.

Opening round fixtures: Bishopstown v Ballincollig; Éire Óg v Aghabullogue; Dungourney v Cloyne; Castlemartyr v Lisgoold; Carrigaline v Valley Rovers; Kilworth v Ballymartle.

In the IAHC last year’s beaten finalists, Bandon, will face Aghada in their opening round tie, who lost out at semi-final stage last year.

Having lost out to Aghabullogue in last season’s final they will hope it’s their year but know that’s easier said than done.

The other semi-finalists were Sarsfields, and they take on near-neighbours Erin’s Own in their opening tie.

Another East Cork derby clash, and there won’t be too much love lost between these two sides.

Kilbrittain, who have an All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday week, and were promoted to this level, will face Russell Rovers in the opening round.

For now, Kiilbrittain’s concentration will be on Saturday week, but it won’t be too long before they turn their attentions to Russell Rovers.

Mallow, who were relegated to this grade, will take on Midleton in their first tie, as they look to bounce back up at the first attempt.

The groups are: Group 1: Aghada, Bandon, Kilbrittain, and Russell Rovers.

Group 2: Midleton, Mallow, Kildorrery, and Blackrock.

Group 3: Erin’s Own, Sarsfields, Youghal, and Ballygiblin.

Opening round fixtures: Aghada v Bandon; Kilbrittain v Russell Rovers; Midleton v Mallow; Kildorrery v Blackrock; Erin’s Own v Sarsfields; Youghal v Ballygiblin.