Cork GAA Football Leagues preview: Crunch games on penultimate weekend
Castlehaven's Micheál Maguire moves away from Neville O'Shea of Nemo Rangers. Picture: Jim Coughlan
The penultimate round of the McCarthy Insurance Group Football League has arrived this weekend.
There aren’t any games on Sunday due to the Cork hurlers’ big Munster final against Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, so it's a busy Friday and Saturday.
In Division 1 this evening in Rosscarbery, Carbery Rangers host Castlehaven. The away team arrive unbeaten after seven games and are joint-top with Clonakilty on ten points. Their consistency has been the hallmark of their campaign, and another result later on would keep them firmly on course for a place in the league final.
Carbery Rangers, meanwhile, sit just behind on eight points from seven outings. Their recent home loss to Éire Óg halted a run of four straight victories, but they remain well in the hunt and will see this as an opportunity to reassert themselves against one of the form teams in the county.
The action continues in Knocknagree tomorrow, where the home side welcome Cill na Martra.
Knocknagree are on eight points and remain very much in the mix for a top two finish. Their form has been steady, and another win would keep them within touching distance of the leaders heading into the final round.
Cill na Martra, however, find themselves in a more precarious position. Two points behind Knocknagree and are now sitting in the relegation zone, level with Douglas.
The final Division 1 fixture of the weekend sees Clonakilty at home to Nemo Rangers tomorrow. Clonakilty, joint-top with Castlehaven, have lost only once this season — a single point defeat to Knocknagree — and their recent form has been strong.
Nemo Rangers, by contrast, are battling at the opposite end of the table. With just four points from seven games, they sit in the relegation zone and are in urgent need of a lift. Their performances have shown flashes of improvement, but results have not followed, and tomorrow’s trip to Clonakilty represents one of their toughest assignments of the campaign.
In Division 2, Uibh Laoire can secure promotion tomorrow evening when they host Dohenys.
Uibh Laoire sit top with 12 points from seven games.
Their form has been impressive, and they have shown the balance and depth required to sustain a push at the top end of the table.
Dohenys, three points behind, remain firmly in the promotion race themselves. With so much riding on the outcome, this fixture stands out as one of the weekend’s most significant.
Division 3 action sees Kilshannig at home to Aghabullogue tomorrow. Kilshannig, on six points and only a point above the drop zone, are in need of a result to steady their position.
Aghabullogue, on nine points, sit only outside the promotion places on scoring difference and will be eager to respond after their home defeat to Naomh Abán last time out.
Division 1: Carbery Rangers v Castlehaven, 7.45pm.
Division 4: Kiskeam v Macroom, 8pm; Glanmire v Kilmurry, 8.15pm.
Division 6: Cullen v Aghinagh, 7.30pm; Glenville v Dromtarriffe, 8pm.
Division 7: Donoughmore v Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels, 7.30pm.
Division 1: Knocknagree v Cill na Martra, 6pm; Clonakilty v Nemo Rangers, 7pm.
Division 2: Carrigaline v Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh, 4pm; O'Donovan Rossa v Ballincollig, 5pm; Uibh Laoire v Dohenys, 6pm; Clyda Rovers v St Michael’s, 7.30pm.
Division 3: Kanturk v Newmarket, 2pm; Naomh Abán v Mallow, 7.15pm; Kilshannig v Aghabullogue, 7.30pm.
Division 4: Buttevant v Nemo Rangers, 12 noon; Boherbue v Adrigole; Gabriel Rangers v Aghada, both 5.30pm.
Division 5: Canovee v St Vincent's, 5pm; Mitchelstown v Ballinora, 6pm; Ballydesmond v Bantry Blues; Millstreet v Ilen Rovers, both 6.30pm; St Nick's v Kinsale, 3.30pm.
Division 6: Argideen Rangers v Cobh, 2pm; Kildorrery v Kilmacabea, 4pm.
Division 7: Inniscarra v Carbery Rangers; St James’ v Mayfield, both 3pm.
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