Sarsfields begin defence of minor hurling title against Blackrock
Sarsfields captain Harry Cogan and players celebrate after defeating Midleton in the Rebel Óg Premier 1 minor HC final at Páirc Uí Rinn last year. They start the defence of their title against Blackrock. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Sarsfields will begin the defence of their Premier 1 minor hurling championship with a home tie against Blackrock.
Having won the U16 title two years ago and then following up with the minor crown last year Sars will be favourites to make it two-in-a-row this season.
With home advantage, they will be fancied to get off to a winning start, but they can’t afford to underestimate the challenge of the Rockies, who won’t make it easy for them.
The other game in their group is an East Cork derby, with Midleton at home to Carrigtwohill.
All four of these sides will fancy their chances of advancing to the semi-finals, so a winning start could be crucial.
Midleton won the U16 Premier 1 hurling championship last year, and their minor bid will be backboned by most of that side.
It’s a tough group to pick two from and expect a few surprises along the way.
The other group starts with a northside derby that is sure to draw a huge crowd to Glen Rovers when the games start later in the year.
They are at home to Na Piarsaigh, and any time these two meet it brings out the best in local rivalry.
The Glen have been one of the top sides at minor and U16 level over the last few seasons, and they will be determined to get off to a winning start as they hope to win their third minor title in four years.
Ballincollig and Carrigaline are the two other sides in their group, and the Village will be fancied to get off to a winning start.
In the Premier 2 competition, the Barrs start the defence of their title against Shandrum, a side they have enjoyed many a battle with over the last few seasons.
In the Premier 1 football championship, defending champions Ballincollig, who are hoping to make it three-in-a-row, start their title defence in football also against Carrigaline.
This time Carrigaline will be at home, but the Village will be hoping to make the running a bit easier on themselves this season.
Over the last two years, they have lost group games before bouncing back to win and then retain their title.
Having the same opposition in the opening rounds of the two competitions is not ideal, but both sides will just have to get on with it and hope that nothing spills over from one to the other.
The other two sides in their group are Nemo Rangers and Bishopstown, never easy teams to beat, and it’s a tough group for any of the four to come through.
Clon start their campaign at home to Douglas in group two, where the home side will be expected to take the points.
Glanmire and Na Piarsaigh are the other sides in this group, and the former will be expected to get off to a winning start. But if they underestimate this Piarsaigh side, then they will be in trouble.
In the Premier 2 competition, defending champions Donoughmore open their account against St Colums, as they too are bidding to make it three-in-a-row.
Ballincollig v Carrigaline; Glen Rovers v Na Piarsaigh; Sarsfields v Blackrock; Midleton v Carrigtwohill.
Killeagh v Douglas; St Finbarr’s v Shandrum; Ibane Gaels v Erin’s Own; Éire Óg v Blarney; Cloughduv v Kiltha Óg; St Colmans v Watergrasshill.
Carrigaline v Ballincollig; Nemo Rangers v Bishopstown; Clonakilty v Douglas; Glanmire v Na Piarsaigh.
Killeagh v Kinsale; Donoughmore v St Colums; St Nicholas v Diarmuid Ó Murchus; St Finbarr’s v Erin’s Own; Éire Óg v Macroom; Midleton v Mallow.
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