Weekend Preview

There is only one senior game scheduled this weekend and that is the second semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup as well as a full series of games in the Munster Junior League.

Cork Constitution go head to head with Highfield on Friday evening at Temple Hill in the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup, kick-off 7.30pm.

The winners are due to meet holders Garryowen in the decider on Saturday 5 January at Thomond Park.

The Lilywhites will be looking to regain the trophy which they recently held for five successive seasons, while Highfield are aiming to qualify for the decider for the first time since 2007. The Woodleigh Park side’s only successes in the completion were in 1966 and 1968.

Both sides are going well in their respective divisions of the All Ireland League.

Crosshaven, who are in mid-table in their first season back in the top flight of the Munster Junior League, face a tricky task as they welcome former champions and unbeaten leaders Clonmel to South Cork.

Defending champions Bandon, who are also unbeaten in third place travel to West Limerick to take on Newcastle West, who were defeated by Clonmel in the Premier County last time out.

Second-placed Richmond travel to West Cork to take on Skibbereen, whose unbeaten run was ended by Kilfeacle.

St Senan’s are hovering above the drop zone following their 23-0 defeat away to Bandon and they will have their work cut out as they entertain Clanwilliam who recorded 16-11 home win over Abbeyfeale.

Abbeyfeale are still without a win, but on five points. They will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they entertain Waterpark, who recorded their first win of the campaign against St Mary’s on Suirside.

At the foot of the table, Galbally are at home to Kilfeacle and Kanturk, who recorded their first win last time out against Galbally, are away to St Mary’s.

There are two Cork derbies in Division 2.

Runaway leaders Mallow will be looking to extend their lead at the summit as they entertain Cobh Pirates, who were narrowly defeated 10-8 by Fethard in East Cork.

Third-placed Kinsale will also be looking to maintain their promotion challenge as they host struggling Old Christians.

Second-paced Clonakilty travel to Suirside to meet Waterford City, who are joint fourth with Muskerry and the Sky Blues will be looking to claim all points on offer from their home meeting with struggling Castleisland.

Fethard should prove too strong for Ballincollig in South Tipperary, while Fermoy will be looking to get a result from their visit to the Premier County to take on bottom side Thurles.

The two sides who share pole position in Division 3 are both on the road as Tralee travel to West Waterford to take on Dungarvan and Mitchelstown are away to Scariff.

Third-placed Ennis make the long trip to West Cork to take on Bantry By, who are joint fourth with Dungarvan and two sides without a win go head to head as Douglas-Carrigaline and Chorca Dhuibhne meet at Wilton.

Killorglin welcome Dunmanway to Mid Kerry and the home side should prove too strong as they go in search of their second win.