A big crowd is expected in Cloughduv this Friday, as Muskerry take on Ballincollig in the SFC Round 3 at 7.30pm. This is a novel pairing and all the support is welcome. 

There were four games down for decision in the Muskerry division over the last ten days, which all started in Coachford. Éire Óg booked their place in the U21 A hurling championship semi-final after knocking out defending champions Ballincollig in the quarter-final, 0-18 to 1-14. The Ovens side were in command heading down the home straight, leading 0-18 to 0-11 after 55 minutes. Ballincollig rallied with three quick points. Rob Bourke scored a goal deep in stoppage time, but it was too late.

Yesterday week, Ballincollig produced an impressive final 20 minutes to beat Béal Áthán Ghaorthaidh in their replay in the JAFC quarter-final. With 20 minutes remaining, Béal Áthán Ghaorthaidh led, 2-6 to 1-8, but the winners outscored their opposition, 3-7 to 0-2 in the final 18 minutes of the contest to advance. Ballincollig will meet reigning champions Kilmurry in the last four. 

Moving onto last weekend, a Conor Cotter point deep into injury time sealed Kilmichael’s passage into the JAHC semi-final, after a dramatic victory over Blarney in the quarter-final. In a topsy-turvy contest, with both sides leading at different stages, it was Kilmichael who found the answer very late on. They will now take on Ballincollig/Iveleary in the semi-final.

The final game last weekend came from Ballincollig on Sunday evening. JAHC champions Ballinora eased their way into the semi-final, after beating Donoughmore in the quarter-final, 2-15 to 1-9. Ballinora now lock horns with Cloughduv in a mouth-watering semi-final clash.

Ballincollig and Iveleary go head to head in the JAHC quarter-final this Tuesday. Ballincollig recovered well from an opening round drubbing against Cloughduv, to dispatch Gleann na Laoi in Round 2, 2-20 to 2-8. Iveleary had a fine Round 1 win over Blarney, 3-12 to 3-10. In all likelihood, this one will be very close, with Ballincollig getting a tentative vote to progress.

A big crowd is expected in Cloughduv tonight, as Muskerry take on Ballincollig in the SFC Round 3 at 7.30pm.

Best of luck to Blarney’s Mark Coleman and the Cork hurling team in Sunday’s SHC semi-final against Waterford in Croke Park at 3.30pm. Also, best wishes to Blarney’s Declan Hanlon, Conor Power and coach John Dwyer from Ballincollig and the Cork team in Sunday’s MHC semi-final against Dublin in Croke Park  at 1.30pm.

Report by Barry O'Mahony