Football semi-finals top the bill

With Munster club deadlines fast approaching, the Cork County Board fixture makers will be keeping their fingers crossed in the hope that the weather gods will be kind to them with still a lot of big games to be played.

Their swift action last weekend was commendable as was the efforts of all the clubs to ensure every game scheduled took place and well done to all, and of course the condition of the pitch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh which hosted 4 games on the one day - remarkable!

McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Senior semi-finals

Sunday in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Mallow v Nemo Rangers at 2.30pm

There’s a very unfamiliar look to this game for 2 reasons. I cannot recall the last time these two sides met at this stage. In fact it’s 2004 since Mallow last contested a semi-final, while on the other hand it’s a matter of routine for Nemo to be here.

Mallow’s turnaround has been incredible. This time last year they were in a relegation play-off and here they are, sixty minutes away from a final appearance.

Captain Matty Taylor said while they are delighted to be here, they are determined to go further. “It’s exciting and a huge opportunity and while we know it’s a tough test, we are really looking forward to Sunday.”

The highlight of their group phase was the win over St Finbarr’s and while they lost to Douglas in the final game, they regrouped and impressed in seeing off Muskerry last Sunday.

Nemo Rangers captain Alan O’Donovan reflected on their penalty shoot out win over Clonakilty. “It was dramatic to say the least but we got there in the end. We looked in control but all credit to Clon they kept at it, now it’s time to recover and get ready for another big test.”

Nemo may have lost a few players and had a change of management but Nemo do what Nemo do and get to the semi-final.

Kevin O’Donovan, Ross Corkery, Brian Hayes, Micheál Aodh Martin and as ever Paul Kerrigan deliver when required.

Ryan Harkin, Kevin Sheehan, Sean McDonnell, Mark Tobin and Sam Copps are vital players for Mallow who will need to be at their very best to win this one.

Some might say Mallow are in bonus territory and with pressure off, have a bit of a free hit; they obviously won’t look at it that way, but you have to fancy Nemo to get to yet another final.

Castlehaven v St Finbarr’s at 4.15pm

This is the 5th year in a row they are meeting at this stage and what titanic battles they have produced including penalty shoot outs.

When speaking on Monday to Ian (St Finbarr’s) and Cathal (Castlehaven) Maguire they both more or less said the same thing with huge respect on both sides.

As Cork and Munster champions, the ‘Haven are tipped by many to retain their title and the resolve to do that was clear as they won their group comfortably and took the direct route to this stage.

Injuries have been an issue; Conor Cahalane has yet to play, Damien is doubtful after a minor operation, but knowing that man he will play, while captain Michael Hurley is also carrying a few niggles.

They have coped comfortably with Rory Maguire, Brian Hurley, Jack Cahalane and Mark Collins providing leadership when the need was greatest.

‘Barr’s had a bump in the road when losing to Mallow but their recovery has been exceptional.

Valley Rovers were comfortably seen off, and so were Ballincollig with a late scoring burst.

Steven Sherlock remains their main man in attack, while Brian Hayes, William Buckley, Ethan Twomey, John Wiggington Barrett, Darragh Newman and Ciaran Doolan are big players for them, who also have been disrupted with injuries at times.

There is very little between these excellent sides and like previous encounters. it will go to the wire and maybe, a penalty shoot out.

Extremely hard to call, but I have a sneaky suspicion the ‘Barr’s are going to end the champion’s reign.

McCarthy Insurance Group Senior A semi-finals

Saturday in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Kanturk v Carrigaline at 5.45pm

These are two teams that have a lot of dual players with Carrigaline chasing a 2nd final spot having reached the hurling final last weekend and that will give them huge belief and momentum.

Brian O’Driscoll missed the QF win over Bishopstown and should be fit and he is a huge addition as his form and scoring rate has been excellent with the Coakleys Niall and Brian along with Sean Mellett and Kevin Kavanagh offering good support.

Having exited the hurling a few weeks ago, Kanturk will have enjoyed uninterrupted preparation - a rarity - for this game and that will help as will the form of the Walshs and McLoughlins for so long the backbone of this team.

Could be close but with a bit more concentrated preparation, Kanturk get the nod.

Knocknagree v Doheny’s at 7.30pm

It’s another one of those intriguing contests that is hard to call between two evenly matched teams who have regularly made the knockout phase.

JF Daly is still guiding the ship for the Duhallow lads and despite losing a few players over the years, they are still very formidable opposition and hard to beat.

Eoghan McSweeney is a key player for them as are Niall and Anthony O’Connor, Patrick Doyle and Denis O’Connor and going direct to the semi-final in this case might actually suit.

Doheny’s have been improving with every outing and their win over Cill Na Martra was evidence of that and the form of Fionn Herlihy and Mark Buckley has been a factor, while Rhys Coakley, Adam O’Donovan and Keith White have all played well.

It’s a repeat of last year’s semi-final in which Doheny’s won well, they are fancied to repeat that result.

All four semi-finals from SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be live on C103.

McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Intermediate semi-finals

Naomh Abán v Aghabullogue on Friday in Macroom at 7.30pm

A tasty local derby that should be lively and the decision of Aghabullogue to withdraw their players from the Muskerry team that played last Sunday is a clear indication where their priorities lie.

The Gaelthacht side, they too withdrew their players from the Muskerry game, had an impressive win over Rockchapel in the QF and they will be confident ahead of this game their 1st last four appearance since 2018.

Dara O’Lionsigh, Jack O’Donoghue, Sean O’Riordan and Wayne McCarthy are key players for them and while they are down a few lads through injury, they have shown resolve as the campaign moved on.

Matthew Bradley, Paul Ring, Luke Casey, Tom Long and John Corkery have led by example as Aghabullogue took the direct route to the semi-final which in their 1st year at this level is pretty impressive.

Local rivalry will come into play, not an easy one to call but maybe more experience at playing at this level will get Naomh Abán over the line.

Kilshannig v Iveleary on Saturday in Ballincollig at 4pm

Another intriguing encounter here between 2 sides that have made huge progress through the grades in recent seasons and both with players on John Cleary’s Cork squad.

Killian O’Hanlon who has been unfortunate with injuries is a big player for Kilshannig, while Chris Óg Jones has shown an eye for goal with his club and Muskerry in recent games.

Cathal Vaughan like O’Hanlon has been plagued by injuries but on his day is a match winner with good support from Brian Cronin and Barry Murphy. Eanna O’Hanlon also has a big role to play for the North Cork side.

Aghabullogue are caught up in a hurling relegation battle but have shown over the years they can make both work, but this one might just prove beyond them.

Intermediate A semi-finals both on Saturday at 4pm

Boherbue have been very impressive in this championship to date and with Adrigole down a few key players through injury, they should win this game in Cill Na Martra.

The 2nd game is Glanmire against Gabriel Rangers in Clonakilty. Gabriel Rangers had a huge win over highly rated Mitchelstown last Sunday. That might just give them the edge in this one.

Premier Junior on Saturday at 4pm

Buttevant are the fancy by many to win this championship outright and have looked good in their wins to date, but Kilmurry - beaten finalists last year and in the last 2 Munster finals will test them. But will the lengthy season catch up the Mid-Cork side? It just might when the sides meet in Grenagh.

Ballyanley is the venue for the meeting of Kinsale and Canovee who were last year’s junior champions and will relish this challenge but Kinsale effortlessly brushed Glenville aside in their QF and might be hitting form at just the right time.

One other game on Saturday, and a huge one at that, the Premier Senior Football relegation play-off in Enniskeane at 1.30pm - Éire Óg v Carbery Rangers.

Co-Op Superstores Hurling Championship

The first Intermediate A semi-finals is on Saturday at 4pm in Cobh with Midleton v Erin’s Own. At 3pm in Ballynoe, it’s Ballygiblin v Lisgoold.

SE Systems Senior Camogie Final

Sarsfield’s v St Finbarr’s on Sunday at Castle Road at 2pm

Champions Sars are bidding for back to back titles and their 4th in all face a St Finbarr’s side who are hoping to bridge an 18 year gap since their one and only success.

These two have clearly been the best in the championship emphasised by the ease with which they have reached the decider.

There are good players on both sides and expect a tight contest that the holders might just shade.

In the Premier Intermediate Championship, the 2nd semi-final goes ahead on Saturday in Blarney at 2pm - it’s Ballinahssig v Fr O’Neill’s with Ballinora awaiting the winners in the final.

Ladies Football

At Cloughduv on Sunday at 2pm, it's Naomh Aban v O’Donovan Rossa in the Intermediate Championship Final.

Rebel Óg

After the incredible drama of last Monday night in the Premier Hurling Finals, will we witness a repeat in the football deciders on next Monday night?

At 6.30pm in Premier 2, it's Castlehaven v Donoughmore, followed at 8pm by the Premier 1 Final with Ballincollig v Mallow.

Finally the replay of the Premier 2 Hurling Final St Finbarr’s v Shandrum goes ahead in Páirc Uí Rinn at 1.30pm on Saturday.