Charleville CBS aiming to secure quarter-final spot on Harty Cup return
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: Charleville CBS's Robert Troy winning the ball from Hamilton High School, Bandon's Harry O'Sullivan in the Dr. Harty Cup at Banteer. Picture Denis Minihane.
After a six-year absence from the Harty Cup, Charleville CBS are now looking to mark their return by sealing their place in the quarter-finals of the prestigious schools hurling competition.
A four-point victory over a resolute Hamilton High School two weeks ago saw the North Cork students advance to one of the three preliminary quarter-finals taking place on Wednesday and reverse their loss to the same opponents in last season’s Munster ‘B’ semi-final.
But now their target is securing a last eight berth in the new year although standing in their way will be a talented Cashel CS side who have ambitions of their own.
James Riordan, who coaches Charleville alongside Kevin Butler and David Mulcahy, is fully aware of the challenge his side face but is thankful the trio will have a fully fit squad to choose from including Liam O’Mahony, who has recovered from dislocating his elbow in the opening game seven weeks ago to make the bench at Bansha (throw-in is at 1pm).
“It would be huge for our school if we could reach the quarter-final,” said Riordan.
“This is our first time playing in the Harty Cup in six-years so it would be great for the younger students if we could re-establish ourselves in this competition.
“But we are under no illusions that it will be a tough game against a strong Cashel side. But we know that if we prepare well, play to the best of our ability, play to our full potential on the day, we can compete with anyone.”
Elsewhere at 1pm there are two other enticing TUS Dr. Harty Cup preliminary quarter-final ties down for the decision.
John the Baptist Community School and Our Lady’s Templemore will be hoping to progress to the last eight of the competition when they meet at Fethard.
The Limerick school will also be hoping the game isn’t as dramatic as their last fixture when they secured their place in this round with a 2-22 to 4-16 draw against Carrick-on-Suir CBS thanks to goals from Hughs Murnane and Flanagan.
While at the same time in Meelick, Castletroy College and St Flannans will face off with the winners heading into the quarter final round proper.
The Ennis school were hugely impressive in their last outing a fortnight ago when they defeated Coláiste Cholim 2-33 to 0-17 but their opponents from the Treaty County are sure to provide a sterner test.
St Colman's College Fermoy and Christian Brothers College will meet in the fourth and final preliminary quarter-final next week with a date and venue for the all Cork clash still to be confirmed.
John The Baptist CS v Our Lady's Templemore, Fethard
Cashel CS v Charleville CBS, Bansha
Castletroy College v St. Flannan’s, Meelick
St Colman's Fermoy v CBC Cork, TBC.
