Intermediate finals this weekend

Intermediate Finals in Pairc Ui Rinn on Sunday
Football Eire Og v Castletownbere @ 2pm

For the second year in a row the men from the Beara Peninsula are contesting this final, which is a fair achievement given that were well beaten in the opening round by Kanturk.
It’s been a long campaign for them as they encountered neighbours Adrigole twice en route to this decider but as is the case with most teams they improved as the championship aged.
It’s been the direct route for Eire Og and on that basis they will start as favourites, they too will have benefitted from an unhindered run with their exit from the hurling.
Castletownbere have been consistent performers at this level and have a core of experienced players, notably the Wiseman’s and the O’Sullivans who would dearly love to win a title they have been chasing for years.
It was not so long ago that Eire Og were plying their trade in the Junior grade and once they won that championship they were always fancied to progress quickly such was the quality they possess, but injuries to key players at different times have unhinged their ambitions.
With the class of Ciaran Sheehan, Daniel Goulding, Kevin Hallissey and John Dineen anchoring their challenge it’s easy to see why they are favourites.


Hurling
Kanturk v Kilworth @ 3.45pm
This has the makings of a real cracker between two teams with plenty of talent, especially in attack, which should make for a high scoring contest.
There are not many teams at this level can boast of having three Cork seniors in their ranks but Kanturk can, and that level of experience can be crucial in games of this nature.
The downside of course is the calls on their time and their dual involvement with the Duhallow footballers and a few others with the divisional Under 21 hurlers has not helped, although the winning momentum will.
By contrast Kilworth have been motoring along nicely and impressed when defeating Argideen Rangers last time and the test they got will have steeled them for this one.
Adrian Mannix has been a prolific scorer for Kilworth over a long period and along with imposing goalkeeper Kieran Walsh, Dion Cahill, Will Twomey, Damien Mc Namara and team captain Brian Tobin offering excellent support, the North Cork side represent a serious threat to Kanturk’s ambitions.
Anthony Nash has been a stopper and scorer for Kanturk, Lorcan and John McLoughlin and the towering Aidan Walsh have rarely failed to deliver when wearing the club colours and the desire to add this title to the Junior football crown won last season is a strong one, and might be enough to get them over the line, in a close contest.

Senior Football Championship Saturday in Bandon @ 5pm
Carbery Rangers v Bishopstown
A real test of character for Bishopstown six days after their heroic bid to win the Senior hurling title, but they have shown that all year and with Brian Cuthbert overseeing matters on the sideline they will be ready.
Carbery Rangers are the current league holders but have had to wait a a few weeks for this clash and while Bishopstown were hurling they will be up to Championship level, and that gives them an edge.
Bishopstown also easily dismissed the challenge of Clonakilty in the last round and with the dual players very keen to atone for Sunday’s loss it is well within their capabilities to win.
However they will need to curb the efforts of John and Seamus Hayes, Kevin Mc Mahon and James Fitzpatrick if they are to extend their season by another week at least. Bishopstown to shade it.

Keep an eye on
The County senior camogie final goes ahead on Sunday in Castle Road at 3pm, with Milford playing the winners of last night’s (Wednesday) semi-final between St Catherine’s and Inniscarra.
A cracking double-header in Pairc Ui on Monday night in the Premier 1 and 2 Minor Football Finals @ 6.30 it’s Boherbue and Kiltha Og, followed @ 8oc by the all Southside clash of Douglas and St Finbarrs.
Finally congratulations to the Cork Ladies Footballers on their great win in Croke Park and also to the hurlers of Ballinhassig and Sarsfields on their championship victories and here’s hoping they can make an impact on the Munster Championships.