MACROOM MOTORS U21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

 By Barry O’ Mahony

It’s a busy weekend in the Muskerry division with three vital Macroom Motors U21 football championship games taking place. The two semi-finals in the “A” grade are down for decision tomorrow with Éire Óg taking on Kilmurry and Cill na Martra locking horns with Ballincollig. Also on Saturday, Aghinagh meet Naomh Aban in the “B” Final.

First up tomorrow, Éire Óg go up against Kilmurry. The Ovens side will be looking to the likes of John Mullins, Daire McCarthy, John Cooper and Eoin O’ Shea to propel them to the decider. The loss of Colm O’ Callaghan due to injury is a blow. Kilmurry have Tipperary U21 Joe Ryan in the full-forward line, while James Berhanu is a prominent player in the half-forward area. Kilmurry have a strong defence, with Liam Wall and John O’ Mullane to the fore. It really is a toss of a coin, with a slight nod going towards Éire Óg.

The second semi-final sees Cill na Martra going head to head with Ballincollig. This is a repeat of last year’s final, where Ballincollig shaded a closely fought contest. Cill na Martra impressive in the league basis will be driven on by Tadhg Corkery, Gearoid Golden and Gearoid Pheland, with Dano Dineen the main forward. As for Ballincollig, Sean Lucey is expected to be out with a hamstring injury, but with Cian Kiely, Kevin Browne and Luke Fahy in the team, they will be a tough nut to crack. A hesitant vote to Ballincollig.

Macroom is the venue Saturday night for the U21 B Final, as two proud clubs clash in the shape of Aghinagh and Naomh Aban. Aghinagh had a three point victory over Ballinora in the last four. Liam Twohig’s accuracy from placed balls will once again be vital, while Andrew Murphy and Aodh Twomey shore up a watertight defence. Naomh Aban had six points to spare against Donoughmore in the semi-final. Ronan Hyde and Tadhg O’ Riordan make up a solid defence, in attack, Cork U21 Mike Dineen leads the way. Naomh Aban might have the edge.