Waiting for football fireworks – SFC Quarter Final Previews

Back to square one. When the flag was raised for the start of the 2013 championship, Stradbally were the team to catch with Ballinacourty and The Nire not far behind with a gap then to a clutch of three or four teams. After 30 group games, we are none the wiser about the destination of the Conway Cup. At the close of Saturday’s foursome, we could end up with same semi finalists as last year. The quality of football is set to step up a notch however with The Nire versus Kilrossanty the headline act on a Fraher Field treble helping. Time to sit up and start paying attention.

21 September

Stradbally v Ballinameela (3.00 at Fraher Field)

Three years ago, Ballinameela almost stunned Stradbally in a county semi final. A late, late Andy Doyle point snatched a draw after Eoghan Walsh’s goal had Ballinameela in dreamland. The Meela have dropped down to intermediate and bounced straight back up in the meantime. They chiselled out a creditable draw against An Rinn to sneak through in fourth spot. It was the tonic they needed following a 28 point battering from Ballinacourty. To compete in these shark infested waters, they must find a footing around the middle through Brian Phelan and Eamonn Walsh. They will also hope for a low scoring game to develop because 1-9 was the highest total they managed in the group stages. Sourcing scores is no such trouble for Stradbally; they smashed 8-74 in five matches. The Reds glided through Group 1 with only Clashmore causing them any sort of discomfort. The usual suspects still carry them forward and their appetite shows little sign of diminishing. It is encouraging for them to see the likes of David Grey staking strong claims. Stephen Cunningham’s side should arrive safely in the semi finals for the fifteenth consecutive year.
Betting: Stradbally 1/33 Draw 20/1 Ballinameela 8/1
Prediction: Stradbally

Clashmore v An Rinn (4.45 at Fraher Field)
Both of these sides have auditioned in knock out football before and are waiting for their big break. Clashmore reached last year’s semis. The absence of key forward threatened to derail that progress this term but they secured four wins from five. Brian O’Halloran is now back to boost an area of the field where John Prendergast flourished in the group stages. The front six tend to share the load with Tadhg Bourke, Paul O’Connor, Cillian O’Keeffe and the emerging Aidan Trihy also likely to be present. An Rinn are quarter final regulars. Three defeats in three years (to Ballinameela, The Nire and Ballinacourty) is a record they want to address however. Their most productive forward play flows through Donie Breathnach who can dazzle on his own or allow others to shine. In an open contest, Clashmore’s steadiness over sixty minutes can get them there by a wafer thin margin.
Betting: Clashmore 8/11 Draw 13/2 An Rinn 11/8
Prediction: Clashmore

The Nire v Kilrossanty (6.30 at Fraher Field)
These two produced the game of the championship in 2012 (1-17 for The Nire against 2-14 for Kilrossanty after extra time) and this renewal promises scores aplenty. The Ballymacarbry side must shake off the hurling disappointment and assess the casualty count before engaging in battle. They held something in reserve during the group stages and they will hope that Liam Lawlor can direct the forward unit in the same manner as last year’s championship. Seamus Lawlor is also delivering a big year in both games. Their backs are teak tough although slightly vulnerable to the high ball. Kilrossanty should welcome back Paul Whyte on the plus side but losing Stephen Prendergast is a significant minus. John Kiely will target at midfield as an area where they can win if Tommy Prendergast continues to produce all action displays. They will only be the kick of the leather in this one.
Betting: The Nire 4/11 Draw 7/1 Kilrossanty 11/4
Prediction: The Nire

Ballinacourty v St Saviours (7.00 at Carraiganore)
Instead of one code taking precedence over another, the winning habit seems to be transferable for Ballinacourty so far. Five wins from five in the football group stages and through to the hurling semis for the first time since 2008. With Mark Ferncombe in upbeat mood amongst a fresh looking outfit, Courty scored 11-76 and only conceded 1-38. Saviours are finally showing what they are capable of when they can field at full strength. They have relied on the relegation play-off to stave off intermediate for three years on the spin but they are now showing their true colours. Brian Power kicked them clear last time around against Ardmore and with a familiar venue in their favour they can make Courty sweat for their semi final spot.
Betting: Ballinacourty 1/25 Draw 20/1 St Saviours 8/1
Prediction: Ballinacourty