Premier IHC: Aghabullogue keen to build on positive start

Having experienced something of a hurling rollercoaster across the last three years, Aghabullogue are keen to ensure their second spell in the Co-op SuperStores Premier IHC doesn’t involve another relegation play-off.

Winners of the IAHC in 2023, the Coachford side actually win a game in the 2024 Premier IHC but, such was the tight nature of the grade that two of six teams on three points had to play off to beat the drop.

Aghabullogue and Kilworth were the unlucky pair and the evenness of the competition was further underlined as they drew before Kilworth earned a reperieve in a replay. While such a blow could have left a scar, instead Aghabullogue chanelled the disappointment to achieve an immediate bounce-back, beating Bandon in last Novemeber’s IAHC final.

Up against neighbours Éire Óg in their first Group 1 game in this season’s Premier IHC, Aghabullogue kept the momentum going with an impressive 3-22 to 2-15 win, Shane Tarrant scoring 2-6 while Matthew Bradley had eight points.

Aghabullogue will of course know that one game guarantees nothing but they will go in to Sunday’s game against Bishopstown in Cloughduv at 3.30pm as strong favourites to puck up another win. The Town, following a second successive relegation, lead early on against Ballincollig but lost by 1-24 to 2-13 and will seek big contributions from James Scally, Brian Murray and Cillian Murray.

An hour beforehand, Riverstick is the venue for the derby meeting of Ballincollig and Éire Óg. While Cork panellist Brian Murray is a big loss for Ballincollig, Stephen Wills, James Dwyer and Tadhg O’Connell are among many who can contribute.

David Kirwan, Seánie Hurley and Colm O’Callaghan were among those who registered scores as Éire Óg scored 2-15 against one set of neighours but reducing the tally at the other end will be a major focus as they face others.

The East Cork Premier IHC roadshow produced a big crowd in Midleton three weeks ago; this time, Carrigtwohill is the venue for the all-Imokilly Group 2.

At 5.30pm on Saturday, Dungourney and Lisgoold, who were both beaten in their openers, will look to kick-start their campaigns. Driven by Shane Hegarty, Jack Leahy and Cillian O’Callaghan, Dungourney led from trap to almost-line against Cloyne but the concession of a late goal was a huge blow and they must show they have recovered. Lisgoold kept with Castlemartyr throughout but were essentially beaten by goal-taking ability: in Liam O’Shea and Diarmuid Healy, the men in blue and gold have scoring potential of their own.

Cloyne will look to show the battling fightback was the real illustration of them rather than the slow start that threatened to put Dungouney in control. James O’Brien, Brian O’Shea, Éanna Motherway and Paudie O’Sullivan led that response and will be needed again if they are top Carrigtwohill in the 7.30pm game. While Ciarán Joyce is out, they had big contributions against Lisgoold from the returning Barry Lawton, Billy McGann, his brother Jack in goal and Mike Kelly.

There is also a local derby in Group 3, where Valley Rovers and Kilworth clashed on Thursday night, as Carrigaline and Ballymartle face off on Saturday in Kilbrittain (3.30pm).

It’s essentially an eliminator, with Ballymartle having been beaten by nine points by Kilworth while Carrig lost by 11 to Valleys. Brian Kelleher and Éanna Desmond are likely account for a large swathe of the Carrigaline output but a collective improvement is needed in order to get back in the qualification mix.

Luke O’Callaghan and Cillian Lordan were in strong scoring form for Ballymartle but the Riverstick side conceded 3-26 and the same cannot materialise again.