A weekend of shocks in Avondhu. I predicted Ballyhooly, Clyda, Dromina and Glanworth to progress but in fact it was Killavullen, LC Gaels, Shanballymore and Kilshannig who progress to the semi finals.
Kilshannig 2-20 Glanworth 0-14.
This was a very competitive game for 40 minutes until Kilshannig pulled away. Kilshannig were the superior team tonight and the writing was on the wall well before they pulled away. They were the much more physical and athletic of the two teams and were bigger in size. Jack Twomey was superb again for Kilshannig. He has a brilliant hand. He was excellent for Avondhu this year too. I honestly think he is worth a look at on a Cork training panel. The half back line of Kieran Twomey, Bill Curtin and Darragh O' Sullivan were excellent too. Killian and Éanna O' Hanlon are huge additions to them too. Glanworth were blown out of it and they are overly dependent on Stevie Condon who was kept quiet from general play, albeit scoring nearly all of their scores from placed balls. After this performance from Kilshannig, I would have them as hot favourites to win it out now.
LC Gaels 1-19 Clyda Rovers 1-18
This was a thrilling encounter that was decided by a late Daniel Relihan point to win it for the Liscarroll/Churchtown outfit. Colin O' Brien was very good from frees and scored three excellent sideline cuts. From placed balls, he is magnificent but I still have my doubts about his contribution from play, which is very little. Seán Killeen was excellent at centre back and Michael Hedigan made a huge impact from the bench. On the other hand, I thought Clyda were relatively poor overall. Although Clyda never die and brought the game down to the wire to their credit.
Shanballymore 1-14 Dromina 0-15.
This was probably the biggest shock of the day. Both teams met last year in championship and Dromina won by 20 points. They met earlier in the league and Dromina won by a cricket score also. But in fairness to Shanballymore they outworked Dromina and really earned their victory. Youngster Shane Looney was their star player scoring 1-3 or 1-4. Brian O' Reilly went off injured with a shoulder injury so he may be a doubt for the semi final. Dromina's tactics in the second half were questionable, constantly sending long ball into the full forward line where Shanballymore had 2 or 3 extra defenders picking up easy ball.
Killavullen 1-16 Ballyhooly 0-13.
I wasn't at this game but this would have been considered a slight shock. Ballyhooly would be the more established team at this grade. But in fairness to Killavullen, they are a young up-and-coming team. Back in 2019, they made 3 County hurling finals in U16, U18 and U21 so they have great talent coming through. Mikey O' Connor and Jamie Magner would be their new marquee players. As regards Ballyhooly, another disappointing end to a promising campaign. I don't know why they have Seán Linehan centre forward when he is one of the best centre backs in North Cork.
The semi finals are now as follows:
Killavullen v Kilshannig
LC Gaels v Shanballymore
I tip Kilshannig and LC Gaels to make the final in this. There will be a new winner to the competition this year I feel. This competition has been excellent this year.
