Two tasty Muskerry U21 A football semi-finals in store this evening

Ballincollig begin the defence of their Macroom Motors Muskerry U21 A football title this evening when they face Naomh Abán in Kilmurry at 7pm — and manager Ciarán Noonan says his side are fully aware of the challenge ahead.

Ballincollig lifted the trophy last year after a campaign defined by tight margins. 

“If you look at the competition as a whole last year, we won two games after extra time,” Noonan recalls. 

“Éire Óg have more or less the same group of players this year. Naomh Abán have more or less the same group of players. And Donoughmore are coming off the back of two fantastic minor campaigns.

“We’re not looking beyond the Naomh Abán game. We know how tough Muskerry is. That game is our sole focus right now. Bring everything we have to it and hopefully come out the right side of it.” 

Ballincollig’s preparation has been complicated by the split season and the shifting fixture window, but Noonan is quick to highlight the positives. A high number of his U21s featured in the first round of the Premier SFC against Castlehaven, while others lined out in the Muskerry JAFC against Grenagh. 

“I think we had around 10 lads involved against Castlehaven, which is brilliant for me,” he says. 

“It’s exposure for these lads at high-level football. That’s better than any training you’ll get.

"It’s going to be very challenging — not a mind picking 15, you’re trying to pick lads for a panel and subs as well. Someone’s going to be disappointed. But that’s the hard part of management.” 

Noonan expects this semi-final to be played in the traditional U21 spirit. 

“It’s old school. If you don’t turn up, you’re out. Every team is going to be the same with small preparation. But it’s summer football.

"We’re really looking forward to it. We’re not looking beyond Naomh Abán. It’s our sole focus at the moment.” 

He also points to the club’s underage development as a source of confidence. 

“There's fantastic development going on in the club. We’ve had a great minor team the last few years. There are lads playing senior football. It’s brilliant for the club.” 

This evening's other semi-final sees Éire Óg meet Donoughmore in Ballyanly at 7pm — a pairing Noonan expects to be every bit as tight as Ballincollig’s clash. 

“Éire Óg have the same group as last year. Donoughmore have had two brilliant minor teams recently. There’s nothing between any of the four teams.”