Cork GAA Football Leagues preview: Carbery Rangers aiming for fifth straight win in Division 1
Carbery Rangers' John O'Rourke clears away from Conor Horgan of Nemo Rangers. Picture: Martin Walsh
We are entering the home straight in the McCarthy Insurance Group Football League with some crucial games this weekend.
It’s Round 7 for the majority of clubs, with others still having games in hand, and just two more weekends remaining in the regular league campaign after this one.
Every game matters now with the championship edging closer, beginning at the end of July.
In Division 1, there are four interesting games down for decision on Sunday.
Carbery Rangers will look to build on their strong form, including that eye-catching 3-13 to 1-13 home win over Nemo Rangers last time out — a result that keeps them well-placed for a league final spot. Robbie Ahern’s charges, chasing a fifth straight victory, face Éire Óg.
The away team, by contrast, travel to Rosscarbery after a difficult outing against Knocknagree two weeks ago, losing 3-17 to 0-11. They sit in the drop zone on three points and are searching for improvement in every sector.
The second game on Sunday sees Cill na Martra at home to Douglas. Their recent 0-16 to 1-14 loss away to Clonakilty would have been frustrating, but there were positives too. The Muskerry side sit mid-table on six points.
Douglas arrive needing a response after a 1-12 to 0-10 defeat to Newcestown left them bottom of the pile on two points. They have the talent to trouble anyone, but they will need a sharper attacking return to unsettle the hosts. They can’t keep relying on Seán Coakley.
Nemo Rangers are at home in Trabeg against Castlehaven aiming to rebound from their 3-13 to 1-13 defeat to Carbery Rangers a fortnight ago, a result that checked their progress in the standings.
They are third from bottom on four points, and this is usually the time of year when Nemo begin to string results together.
Castlehaven, meanwhile, continue to trend in the right direction as they look to have a solid league.
Finally from Division 1, Newcestown have a home fixture against Knocknagree. Jim O’Sullivan’s side will be happy overall with how their season is going, built on defensive discipline and work rate.
Knocknagree will arrive in flying form after their 3-17 to 0-11 dismantling of Éire Óg. The Duhallow men have seven points on the board.
In Division 2, leaders Uibh Laoire travel to Ballincollig in a Muskerry derby. The first-placed side are three points clear of their hosts heading into the game.
Speaking of Muskerry derbies, there’s another hugely important one in Division 3.
Manager Ray Keane returns to Aghabullogue after the Cork U20 footballers’ season ended recently. Aghabullogue welcome Naomh Abán to Coachford in a significant match in the chase to move up to Division 2. The home side are second on nine points, two clear of Naomh Abán, who are level with Kanturk.
Division 2: St Michael’s v Carrigaline, 7pm; Dohenys v Clyda Rovers, 8pm.
Division 5: Ilen Rovers v St Nick's, 8pm.
Division 2: Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh v Valley Rovers, 1.30pm.
Division 4: Adrigole v Kiskeam, 7pm.
Division 5: Kinsale v Ballydesmond, 1.30pm.
Division 6: Kilmacabea v Glenville, 3.45pm; Dromtarriffe v Glanworth, 6.30pm.
Division 7: Carbery Rangers v St James’, 2pm.
Division 1: Carbery Rangers v Éire Óg; Cill na Martra v Douglas, 10.45am; Nemo Rangers v Castlehaven; Newcestown v Knocknagree.
Division 2: Ballincollig v Uibh Laoire; Castletownbere v O’Donovan Rossa.
Division 3: Bishopstown v Kilshannig, 11am; Aghabullogue v Naomh Abán; Mallow v Kanturk; Newmarket v Fermoy, 11am.
Division 4: Aghada v Buttevant; Kilmurry v Gabriel Rangers; Macroom v Glanmire.
Division 5: Ballinora v Canovee, 11am; St Vincent’s v Millstreet; Bantry Blues v Mitchelstown, 12 noon.
Division 6: Aghinagh v Kildorrery; Cobh v Cullen; Na Piarsaigh v Argideen Rangers.
Division 7: Ballygarvan v Inniscarra, 11am; Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels v Castlemagner; Mayfield v Nemo Rangers; Passage West v Donoughmore.
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