April 29
Ballygunner v Roanmore (7.00 at Walsh Park)
Gavin O’Brien’s loss to injury is a huge blow to Roanmore’s prospects. They will struggle as a result to put up a big enough tally to challenge the Gunners on Friday evening. A daunting task for last year’s intermediate champions is made even more intimidating by Ballygunner’s demolition of Dungarvan in round one. After racking up 5-23 they will be full of confidence going into this clash.
Odds: Ballygunner 1/20 Draw 16/1 Roanmore 15/2
Prediction: Ballygunner
May 1
Mount Sion v Passage (2.00 at Walsh Park)
A spicy encounter to look forward to here between two teams who claimed victories in the opening round. An extra layer of interest is added by Eoin Kelly’s presence at full forward against his former club. Mount Sion’s form has been patchy in recent seasons and they were unconvincing against Roanmore last weekend. If Noel Connors is fit to return for Passage they may spring a small surprise by defeating Sion for the second year running.
Odds: Mt Sion 4/7 Draw 8/1 Passage 6/4
Prediction: Passage
De La Salle v Abbeyside (3.30 at Walsh Park)
A repeat of the 2008 county final that De La Salle edged by a point. Abbeyside haven’t reached those heights since while Salle have two Munster titles and another county crown banked. Abbeyside looked leaderless against Ballyduff Upper without Richie Foley and need bigger contributions from the Hurneys especially to prevent a second defeat. De La Salle, who will line out without any notable absentees from their county and Munster success last year, should still be able to deal with anything their opponents throw at them and make it two wins from two.
Odds: DLS 1/6 Draw 12/1 Abbeyside 4/1
Prediction: De La Salle
Stradbally v Fourmilewater (2.00 at Fraher Field)
Only a Shane Walsh goal separated these two teams in this fixture last year. Both will be targeting this game as winnable after tough openers. Fourmile’ will be pleased with their performance against Lismore and could feel hard done by not to take at least a share of the spoils. Stradbally should be able to lift themselves for this game after their collapse to De La Salle but Fourmile’ under new manager Fintan O’Connor look a more rounded outfit.
Odds: Stradbally 5/2 Draw 9/1 Fourmilewater 1/3
Prediction: Fourmilewater
Dungarvan v Tallow (3.30 at Fraher Field)
Both sides will fancy their chances here. Tallow put up a good fight against Passage last Sunday before narrowly falling short. If Thomas Ryan and Mark O’Brien continue to shine up front a first win of the campaign could be on the cards. Dungarvan will look to bounce back from the Ballygunner humiliation with Cormac Curran in accurate form. Brian Flannery however is presented with a more difficult task to raise the troops within a week than his Tallow counterpart.
Odds: Dungarvan 2/1 Draw 9/1 Tallow 2/5
Prediction: Tallow
May 8
Lismore v Ballyduff Upper (7.00 at Fraher Field)
Little is likely to separate these teams in this derby game. Ballyduff were the more impressive of the two on the first weekend of action with Lismore slow out of the blocks before eventually defeating Fourmilewater. Lismore won their quarter final clash last year on a day that the Reds failed to hit top form. They will look to correct that performance this time around. Led by Stephen Molumphy Ballyduff appeared a very cohesive unit against Abbeyside with a sharp edge up front. Lismore’s over reliance on Maurice Shanahan could prove their downfall as Ballyduff’s team ethic and greater scoring spread may win out in a difficult game to call.
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper
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