Kanturk on the march as SAFC hits crucial weekend
Tommy Walsh on the move for Kanturk this year. Picture: Jim Coughlan
Round 2 of the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC arrives after an opening weekend that produced convincing wins, hard-earned draws, and a couple of upsets.
With teams now settling into the championship, this weekend offers the familiar Round 2 crossroads, push on, steady the ship, or fight to stay in contention heading into the final round.
Group 1 is led by Kanturk, who opened their campaign with a strong win against Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh that showcased their blend of physicality, organisation and scoring threat.
They looked sharp and assured, and they now face Dohenys in Kilmurry on Sunday. Tommy Walsh and Colin Walsh are a couple who starred last time out.
Dohenys began with a draw against Aghabullogue, a tight contest that showed their resilience and ability to stay in games. They will want more fluency this time, but their Round 1 display suggests they won’t be easily shaken. Keith White will need minding up front.
Aghabullogue and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh meet in Macroom in a fixture that already feels significant for both. Aghabullogue’s draw with Dohenys reflected their organisation and work rate, though they will look for more punch in attack. Matthew Bradley will lead the charge.
Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after an opening-round defeat. Their challenge is clear, improve defensively and find a stronger scoring spread.
Group 2 produced two great games on the opening weekend, with Newmarket and Cill na Martra both beginning with wins.
Newmarket’s opener against O'Donovan Rossa highlighted their attacking sharpness and ability to play with pace, while Cill na Martra’s victory over Carbery Rangers was a statement and underlined their quality. Dano Dineen is the man crucial to how they play.
Their meeting in Clondrohid on Sunday is one of the standout fixtures.
Carbery Rangers and O’Donovan Rossa lock horns on Saturday evening in Union Hall, each looking to rebound from opening-round defeats. Ross were competitive for long spells in their first outing with Cill na Martra but couldn’t quite turn pressure into a result. Dylan O'Neill and John O'Rourke will look to drive their team to victory.
O'Donovan Rossa’s loss came in a more open contest where they struggled to contain Newmarket's momentum. Expect a tight, physical encounter with little margin for error. Kevin Davis is the main Skibb forward.
Group 3 saw Kilshannig and Éire Óg open with wins, and their performances suggested a competitive section ahead.
Kilshannig’s victory over Clyda Rovers was built on composure and defensive solidity, while Éire Óg’s narrow win over Bishopstown showed their ability to grind out results.
Kilshannig face Bishopstown in Mallow on Saturday, a game that offers the North Cork side a chance to strengthen their position.
Bishopstown, meanwhile, will feel they were close enough to Éire Óg to take encouragement into this weekend. Gary Holland will be eager to continue his strong recent form.
Éire Óg meet Clyda Rovers in Grenagh on Sunday in a fixture that could prove pivotal. Éire Óg will want to build on their opening-round win, while Clyda, without Conor Corbett due to injury, will be keen to respond after a narrow defeat.
The Clifford brothers, Colm and Darragh, return for Éire Óg having been abroad.
Carbery Rangers v O’Donovan Rossa, Union Hall, 6.30pm; Kilshannig v Bishopstown, Mallow, 6.30pm.
Aghabullogue v Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, Macroom, 2pm; Éire Óg v Clyda Rovers, Grenagh, 3pm; Kanturk v Dohenys, Kilmurry, 3.30pm; Newmarket v Cill na Martra, Clondrohid, 3.30pm.
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