Cork GAA Football Leagues preview: Clonakilty look to maintain strong position in Division 1
Conor Daly in action for Clonakilty last time out against Newcestown. Picture: Chani Anderson
Given all roads lead to Killarney on Sunday for the Munster SFC final between Kerry and Cork, there are no McCarthy Insurance Group Football League games taking place that day.
It means a hectic Friday and Saturday of fixtures across the seven divisions, with Round 6 on the agenda for the majority of clubs and just three more games remaining in the regular league season after this weekend.
There are three Division 1 games down for decision, all later today.
Castlehaven against St Finbarr’s was played on Wednesday evening, while Douglas and Newcestown met last evening.
The games taking place this evening are all intriguing in their own different ways in Division 1.
Clonakilty started this round top of the table having picked up seven points from their five outings. They host another high-flying side in Cill na Martra, with the Muskerry men just a point behind.
Both teams have shown different elements of their play to date, but both had to show character in their most recent outings. Clonakilty dug deep to win away to Newcestown by a point, while Cill na Martra earned a very respectable draw on home soil against Castlehaven.
The second Division 1 game this evening is the meeting of Carbery Rangers and Nemo Rangers in Rosscarbery.
The home side have really turned their season around. After losing their first two games, Robbie Ahern’s charges have won three on the bounce, including a superb away victory over St Finbarr’s last time out.
Nemo will also arrive with confidence. They dragged themselves out of the drop zone in their last match with a home win over Éire Óg, ending a run of three straight defeats.
Speaking of losses, Éire Óg will look to halt a two-game losing streak when they welcome Knocknagree to Ovens later today. The Muskerry side are in the drop zone with three points but will draw level on points with Knocknagree if they win.
The visitors, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after suffering defeat at home to Douglas nearly two weeks ago. John Fintan Daly’s outfit weren’t at their brilliant best in that one and will look to rediscover their spark against Éire Óg.
In Division 2, Ballincollig have the chance to go top if they beat Clyda Rovers this evening in Mourneabbey. A win would apply pressure on Uibh Laoire, who begin Round 6 a point clear at the top.
Uibh Laoire are at home to Castletownbere tomorrow.
There are two big games at the top of Division 3 this weekend. Bishopstown and Aghabullogue are joint-leaders on eight points, with Naomh Abán one place and one point behind, and Kanturk level with Mallow on six points.
Aghabullogue travel to Kanturk this evening, while Naomh Abán welcome Bishopstown to Ballyvourney tomorrow.
Division 1: Clonakilty v Cill na Martra, 7.30pm; Carbery Rangers v Nemo Rangers, 7.45pm; Éire Óg v Knocknagree, 8.30pm.
Division 2: Clyda Rovers v Ballincollig, 8pm.
Division 3: Kanturk v Aghabullogue; Kilshannig v Bandon, both 7.30pm.
Division 5: St Nick’s v St Vincent’s, 8pm.
Division 7: Passage West v Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels, 7.30pm.
Division 2: Valley Rovers v Carrigaline, Innishannon, 2.30pm; O’Donovan Rossa v Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, 4pm; Uibh Laoire v Castletownbere, 6pm.
Division 3: Naomh Abán v Bishopstown, 4pm.
Division 4: Boherbue v Aghada, 3.30pm; Glanmire v Adrigole, 5pm; Macroom v Kilmurry, 6pm.
Division 5: Ilen Rovers v Kinsale, 3.30pm.
Division 6: Argideen Rangers v Dromtarriffe, 3pm; Glanworth v Glenville, 4pm; Aghinagh v Kilmacabea, 7pm.
Division 7: Nemo Rangers v Carbery Rangers, 12 noon; Inniscarra v Castlemagner, 3.45pm.
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