15 May
Tallow v Ballyduff Upper (7.30 at Lismore)
Tallow only had one point to spare in this fixture last season (1-13 to 0-15) and there is plenty on the line in this latest Western derby renewal. The Bridesiders are becoming a more consistent outfit under Terence McSweeney and they realise the importance of backing up the surprise draw gained against De La Salle last Friday night. Ballyduff Upper badly missed their leading marksman Michael Kearney against Ballygunner. They will need the All Ireland minor winner to get them out trouble again this year. Tallow seem to be better balanced.
Odds: Tallow 5/6 Draw 8/1 Ballyduff Upper 11/10
Prediction: Tallow
16 May
Ballygunner v Fourmilewater (6.30 at Fraher Field)
A difficult week for Denis Walsh and all of the Ballygunner squad to wrap their heads around this fixture. They have the squad to cope with his loss in the short term with Peter Hogan most likely to come into the starting fifteen and Stephen Power entrusted with the free taking. Fourmilewater have a miserable championship record against the Gunners and only registered five points from play last Sunday. They must be more economical in their shooting to rattle the favourites.
Odds: Ballygunner 2/5 Draw 10/1 Fourmilewater 2/1
Prediction: Ballygunner
Dungarvan v Passage (7.00 at Walsh Park)
The pick of the round two ties brings together last year’s quarter final pairing. Dungarvan deservedly won that game against a battling fourteen man effort from Passage. Peter Queally decided to shake up the Passage line-up last weekend as they required Eoin Kelly’s influence off the bench to reel in Roanmore. They still retain those survival instincts that helped them to the 2013 title. Dungarvan’s skill levels measured up to the miserable weather against Lismore. They used possession intelligently and found the last four scores of a tightly fought contest. Jamie Nagle left a mark on the final quarter to guide them through. If conditions are favourable, a high scoring encounter is in store with a speedy Dungarvan forward line slightly fancied to come out on top.
Odds: Dungarvan 2/5 Draw 10/1 Passage 2/1
Prediction: Dungarvan
De La Salle v Abbeyside (8.00 at Fraher Field)
Abbeyside pose a physical test for any side in the county and they have infused fresh talent into the equation for 2015. Sean Daly, Conor Prunty and Stephen Cliffe all had good moments against Fourmilewater. Patrick Hurney also chipped in with 1-2 while Richie Foley produced a huge catch at the end when they were under the cosh. De La Salle will take positives and negatives from their draw with Tallow. They took control of the game in their half back line and midfield but allowed a seven point lead slip through their fingers in the second half. They must find the right forward configuration as Kevin Moran and Stephen Daniels appeared ill at ease with their positions. If they can get more from that attack, they should post their first win.
Odds: De La Salle 1/2 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 7/4
Prediction: De La Salle
17 May
Mount Sion v Roanmore (2.00 at Walsh Park)
Mount Sion won’t get carried away by their 23 point thumping given the tame resistance offered by Cappoquin but their refurbishments already look promising. Towering full forward Bill Walsh scored a debut goal and laid on another while Austin Gleeson’s return to the attack will also boost that department. Martin F O’Neill had a productive outing at number twelve and seemed comfortable over the free taking responsibilities. Martin O’Neill’s positioning at wing back may need to be reviewed down the line. Roanmore only raised one point from play last Sunday night in Walsh Park as Billy Nolan fired 1-6 from dead balls. The Sky Blues will surely lift their game to meet this challenge but they may lack the scoring power to live with the Monastery side.
Odds: Mount Sion 2/9 Draw 11/1 Roanmore 7/2
Prediction: Mount Sion
Lismore v Cappoquin (7.00 at Ballyduff Upper)
The first meeting between these two tribes since 1990. Cappoquin received a rude awakening last Sunday afternoon as the yawning gap between the senior and intermediate speed was shown up. Lismore promoted Anthony McGlone and Jack Prendergast to the first team last weekend and the young guns didn’t disappoint. Ray Barry also produced a storming second half performance in the half back line. Maurice Shanahan could do with more support up front if Lismore are to progress deep into the championship.
Odds: Lismore 1/10 Draw 16/1 Cappoquin 5/1
Prediction: Lismore
