McCarthy Insurance Group FL preview: Douglas look to get off the mark against Carbery Rangers

The McCarthy Insurance Group Football League moves into the fourth round of fixtures this weekend, with several pivotal games down for decision across the seven divisions as teams look to build momentum. 

There are five Division 1 games scheduled — two tomorrow and three on Sunday.

The clash of Douglas and Carbery Rangers on Sunday morning is a crucial one with both currently occupying the drop-zone places. Douglas remain without a point, while Ross have two points thanks to Monday’s win over Cill na Martra.

Douglas will hope home advantage counts as they look to build on a strong finish in their last outing against Éire Óg. 

Carbery Rangers face a quick turnaround but will be buoyed by that three-point victory in Rosscarbery.

Arguably the pick of the weekend fixtures is the West Cork derby between Clonakilty and Castlehaven in Clonakilty tomorrow afternoon. The rivals will meet again later in the year in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC group stage.

Clonakilty sit on four points, with the Haven a point behind but having played only two games.

St Finbarr’s, defending Division 1 and Premier SFC champions, have five points from three matches as they travel to Newcestown tomorrow afternoon. It will be far from straightforward for the Barrs, with Jim O’Sullivan’s side unbeaten so far. They have played just two games but have three points on the board.

Sunday brings an all‑Muskerry affair as Cill na Martra host Éire Óg in what should be an entertaining tussle. Both sides are level on three points.

Finally in Division 1, Nemo Rangers make the long journey to Duhallow on Sunday morning to face Knocknagree. Robbie O’Dwyer’s men have two points but have lost their last two outings, while newly promoted Knocknagree have three points, including an impressive away win over Clonakilty last time out.

In Division 2, Ballincollig will be targeting a third successive victory under new boss Aidan Kelleher when they host St Michael’s tomorrow evening. The Village lost on the opening day but have found form since. They have, however, suffered a blow with former Cork footballer Seán Dore set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a serious injury.

Looking further down the divisions, a standout one in Division 5 sees Ilen Rovers host Ballinora in Baltimore on Sunday. 

It’s a repeat of last year’s McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC final, won by Ballinora after a replay that went to extra-time — Kevin Werner’s late goal sealing a dramatic triumph for the Muskerry men.

MCCARTHY INSURANCE GROUP FOOTBALL LEAGUE FIXTURES

This evening 

Division 2: Dohenys v Castletownbere, 8pm.

Division 4: Adrigole v Kilmurry, 8pm.

Tomorrow 

Division 1: Clonakilty v Castlehaven; Newcestown v St Finbarr’s, both 4pm.

Division 2: Ballincollig v St Michael’s, 6pm.

Division 4: Kiskeam v Gabriel Rangers, 7pm.

Division 6: Cullen v Glenville, 5.30pm; Kildorrery v Dromtarriffe, 7.30pm.

Division 7: Passage West v Carbery Rangers, 11.30am; St James’ v Inniscarra, 6pm.

Sunday (11.30am unless stated) 

Division 1: Cill na Martra v Éire Óg; Knocknagree v Nemo Rangers, both 10.45am; Douglas v Carbery Rangers, 11am.

Division 2: Clyda Rovers v Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh; O’Donovan Rossa v Valley Rovers; Uibh Laoire v Carrigaline.

Division 3: Kanturk v Bandon; Mallow v Rockchapel; Newmarket v Aghabullogue, 11am; Naomh Abán v Kilshannig, 1pm.

Division 4: Glanmire v Aghada.

Division 5: St Nick’s v Bantry Blues, 10.30am; Canovee v Mitchelstown; Millstreet v Ballydesmond; St Vincent’s v Kinsale; Ilen Rovers v Ballinora, 12.30pm.

Division 6: Aghinagh v Na Piarsaigh, 11am; Argideen Rangers v Glanworth; Cobh v Kilmacabea, 1.30pm.

Division 7: Donoughmore v Ballygarvan, 11am; Mayfield v Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels; Nemo Rangers v Castlemagner, 2pm.