Friday April 11
Kilrossanty v Ardmore (Fraher Field at 8.00)
In the corresponding fixture last July, Kilrossanty shaded a lacklustre affair by eight points to seven. Ardmore escaped the relegation play-off by the skin of their teeth but they are promoting players like Seamus Keating to add to the established core of Hennessys and Prendergasts. The absence of Paul Whyte leaves the door ajar here. As a consequence, Joey Veale takes most of the scoring responsibility for the green and gold. Expect a slow drip of scores with Kilrossanty slightly favoured to squeak a win on opening night.
Odds: Kilrossanty 4/11 Draw 8/1 Ardmore 9/4
Prediction: Kilrossanty
Sunday April 13
St Saviours v De La Salle (Walsh Park at 2.00)
Welcome to the big bad world of senior football for De La Salle as they tangle with an Eastern opponent that has been around the block. Saviours reached the last eight in 2013 after taking evasive action in three successive relegation play-offs. They gave Ballinacourty a scare in Carraiganore and only lost out by six at full time. They will fancy their chances of another knock out appearance in this company. Survival is priority number one for De La Salle as they depend on Lee Hayes, Mitchell Casey and Ian Cantwell up front.
Odds: St Saviours 1/2 Draw 7/1 De La Salle 7/4
Prediction: St Saviours
Gaultier v Stradbally (Walsh Park at 3.30)
Stradbally cooked up a 2-15 to 1-2 roasting to the same opponents at this venue in the first round of last year’s championship. The form of Wayne and JJ Hutchinson of late offers a hint that Gaultier can narrow the gap this time around. The Reds have removed the label of slow burners however and try to attack the group games from the very start. Michael Walsh remains the midfield general but Robert and Shane Ahearne announced themselves as pack leaders in recent seasons.
Odds: Gaultier 13/2 Draw 16/1 Stradbally 1/16
Prediction: Stradbally
The Nire v Ballinameela (Fraher Field at 2.00)
Ballinameela will hope to hold on for as long as possible as they did against Stradbally in the quarter final. They only averaged eight points per championship game during 2013 and if that figure persists, they run the risk of a relegation scrap. The Nire may begin without a few in defence and attack but they have plenty in reserve as they look towards Jamie Barron, Shane Ryan and others in that age bracket to progress.
Odds: The Nire 1/20 Draw 20/1 Ballinameela 7/1
Prediction: The Nire
Rathgormack v Ballinacourty (Fraher Field at 3.30)
A midweek win over Brickey Rangers got Rathgormack out of danger last year. It papered over the cracks really as they lost their other four group games. They require the under 21 winners to step forward with Billy Power, Michael Curry and Gavin Nugent the pick of the crop. Ballinacourty coasted past Rathgormack by 14 points twelve months ago. Provided they remove the rust, they should get to grips with this initial test early in the second half.
Odds: Ballinacourty 1/8 Draw 14/1 Rathgormack 9/2
Prediction: Ballinacourty
An Rinn v Clashmore (Fraher Field at 7.00)
The last act is a contender for game of the opening weekend. It is a repeat of last year’s quarter final where An Rinn came good in the home straight. Clashmore didn’t score in the last 28 minutes as Liam Ó Lonáin sliced through for a smashing goal. Both teams can be considered as regulars in the knockout stages but will either push on and seriously threaten a county final? Clashmore to make amends first up.
Odds: An Rinn Evens Draw 13/2 Clashmore Evens
Prediction: Clashmore
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