Saturday August 6
Pairc Uí Rinn, 5pm
November 2021 saw Midleton crowned kings of Cork hurling after they saw off Glen Rovers at Pairc Uí Chaoimh – since then the East Cork side have been working towards retaining the most prized possession in Cork’s favourite sport.
Last weekend, the boys in black and white received a serious setback in their quest for two in a row as Douglas took the spoils in what was seen as one of the big games of Round 1.
For their part, Newtownshandrum had an impressive win over neighbours Kanturk in Charleville last Saturday night. In less than ideal conditions the Avondhu side set down a marker to all comers that the men in green are in the 2022 cha championship to win it.
For Newtownshandrum, Cork star Tim O’Mahony was superb at centre-back last weekend and will again be key to what the Avondhu men are trying to do.
Jerry Lane at number 11 and Cathal Naughton in the half forward line impressed against Kanturk and will again start as the reigning champions look to put a halt to their gallop.
Naughton returned from a stint in Australia only recently and despite not being around his club side for that long, gave a serums display in the wind and rain on Saturday last.
Conor Twomey’s surging runs were also devastating last time out so he will again be key to Newtown’s chances this weekend.
How will it turn out? Well the facts are simple, Midleton need the win this Saturday more than Newtown as the champions’ season hangs in the balance, but the boys in green need to keep the momentum on their side as they still have high flying Douglas in Round 3.
Midleton will throw everything at the Avondhu men this weekend and Newtownshandrum will need to be at their best to get something here.
After seeing what Newtown have to offer last weekend it would not be a stretch to see them getting something from this one – A draw or a narrow win. Perhaps Newtown by two.
Verdict: Newtownshandrum
Sarsfields v Charleville
Saturday August 6
Mallow, 7pm
Last weekend Charleville had to dig deep to get a point from their clash with St Finbarrs, but this Saturday night, at the same venue, Mallow, the Avondhu side will need to go even further into the well as they prepare to take on the side many people fancy will win the 2022 PSHC.
Charleville have been one of the most impressive side’s in Cork hurling over the last decade but now, at the top table of club hurling, the club is finding wins hard to come by and a win will be required out of the next two games to advance to the latter stages of the 2022 championship.
Sars come into this one after being pipped by Blackrock in Round 1 so the Glanmire men will be desperate to get two points this weekend but Charleville will be eager to make sure that their season doesn’t come to a grinding halt after the positives garnered last Saturday night.
For Charleville, Jack Doyle was impressive both from play and from placed balls against St Finbarr’s while Cork star Darragh Fitzgibbon again excelled for long periods – just when his side needed the lift.
Mark Kavanagh at 15, Jack Buckley at six and Jack O’Callaghan at corner back will all need to impress again against Sars as will Oran O’Connell, Conor Buckley and Gavin Kelleher who bagged a half dozen points between them last time round and will need to do something similar this time round.
Charleville manager Mark Foley was delighted with the draw against The Barr’s and the performance given by his charges last time out and now, the Limerick legend will be hoping that he can steer his men to what would be another major step forward this weekend.
There’s no two ways about it, Sars will take some stopping this weekend. The Glanmire side will be hurting after their defeat a week earlier and Charleville may well find themselves in the firing line.
Charleville have what it takes to win this weekend but everything and everyone will need to be at their best to secure a result. Sars by a couple is the safe call.
Verdict: Sarsfields
Kanturk v Douglas
Saturday, August 6
Mourneabbey, 5pm
If ever there was a time for a statement performance from Kanturk, this is the occasion on facing up to the high flying city side.
It’s a clash of two of the most consistent sides in the league, this contest doubling up as a Division 1 League semi final to determine who plays Blackrock in the decider.
Of course, it’s the championship that counts, Douglas impressing by overcoming reigning holders Midleton in the opening round where county player Shane Kingston stole the limelight on shooting a massive 1-12 tally.
This was a statement of intent from the city side, missing a number of regulars yet guided by the input of the Cadogan brothers, Cillian O’Donovan, Mark Harrington and Kingston.
Kanturk will be extremely disappointed with their sub standard performance against Newtown’, never allowed to dictate the play for any great spells. Coming so soon after football may well have hindered Kanturk’s preparations and perhaps with an additional week, they will be much better tuned for another difficult assignment.
Weather conditions didn’t suit Kanturk style last weekend with Newtown’ adapting much better. However, Kanturk can parade exciting talent in the Walsh contingent along with the Browne and McLoughlin brothers.
Given the run of results from the opening series, Douglas are entitled to be fancied yet taking a city side out into the country can hand opposition plenty of incentive. Kanturk need a response, no room for error here and they just might upset the formbook.
Verdict: Kanturk
