Weekend Preview
22nd February 2018 By Leonard Allen
This weekend sees mostly All Ireland Junior League action.
The only game in the All Ireland League is between Highfield and Corinthians at Corinthian Park on Sunday. The game was previously postponed last weekend due to a waterlogged pitch at the Galway venue.
Highfield are seven points adrift of leaders Malone in second place and Corinthians are propping up the table. Highfield ran out 17-16 winners with a last minute drop goal from Paddy O’Toole when these sides met at Woodleigh Park on the October Bank Holiday weekend.
There are several games across various competitions at Junior level on Sunday.
In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, there are five ties to be decided.
Castleisland are at home to Kilfeacle and the winners will be away to Shannon.
Sunday’s Well host last year’s finalists Young Munster at Irish Independent Park and the winners will be home to Cork Constitution in the quarter finals.
Tralee, who have been enjoying a good run in this completion, travel to the Premier County to take on Cashel. The winners will be rewarded with a home quarter final against 2014 winners Clonmel or 2006 winners Cobh Pirates, who lock horns in South Tipperary.
Mitchelstown face a tough assignment as they travel to Dooradoyle to take on Garryowen, with the winners at home to Richmond in the quarter finals.
The only game in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate sees holders Thurles beginning their defence of the trophy with a home tie against Waterford City. The winners will be away to Mallow in the quarter finals.
In Division One of the Munster Junior League, Richmond will be looking to take another step closer to the title as they make the short trip to Shannon to take on St Senan’s.
Bandon, who are second, will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to maintain their title aspirations as they welcome Waterpark to Old Chapel. The West Cork side are one point behind Richmond, while the Suirsiders are in mid-table.
Newcastle West, who are fifth and four points adrift of fourth-placed Kilfeacle, are away to Kanturk. The West Limerick side will be looking to grind out a result in a bid to record a second successive top four finish, while Kanturk will be looking to take another step closer to preserving their top flight status, following last year’s relegation from the AIL.
At the foot of the table, Galbally, whose only win came against fellow strugglers Cobh Pirates, are at home to Skibbereen. The County Limerick side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in their battle against relegation, while the West Cork side still need points to ensure their safety.
The only game in Division 2 sees Mallow taking on Ballincollig at St Joseph’s Road. Mallow are eighth on 15 points while the Mid Cork side are hovering above the drop zone on ten points, four points clear of Mitchelstown.
Fethard will be looking to reclaim pole position in Division 3 as they travel to Bantry Bay.
Third-placed Ennis welcome Fermoy, who are fifth, to the Banner County and Dungarvan are at home to Killorglin.
The first semi-final of the O’Neill Cup sees holders Kinsale continuing their defence of the trophy against Crosshaven at Myrtleville Cross in a repeat of last year’s decider. Fermoy are at home to Mallow in the second semi-final on a date to be confirmed.