There’s six crucial JFC games taking place this weekend as the competition kicks into gear for another season.
Group A
Thomas Davis v Ballyhegan – Sat 19 Aug – 4pm
Ballyhegan finished the Division 3A league campaign in style, seeing off Collegeland to claim second place.
They’ll be hot favourites to finish at the top of the group and an opening day win over Thomas Davis would help their case.
Ballyhegan will hope the quality of Jack Rafferty, James McCormack and Peter McGrane will get them over the line.
Thomas Davis will be eyeing up an opening day upset and will hope that home advantage plays its part.
Mullabrack v Dorsey – Sun 20 Aug- 1pm
These two sides will face off in Division 3B next season following Dorsey’s relegation from the topflight.
Dorsey failed to win a game but have a decent record in the championship, so that’ll help to boost morale.
Mullabrack finished bottom of Division 3B, winning just three of their 12 outings, so will be up against it.
But like a lot of teams in the first-round tie this weekend, home advantage could help in their bid for a win.
Group B
Clann Eireann II v Eire Og – Fri 18 Aug – 7pm
In the group of three, both these sides will qualify for the knockout stages. But it’s a race to the top along with An Port Mor.
Clann Eireann IIs, who gained promotion to Division 3A, have a nice blend of youth and experience in their team.
But Eire Og head into this one has favourites, having operated at a higher level throughout the league.
They’ll be without Conor Martin, one of their key men, but yet will be fancied to top the group.
Group C
Killeavy II v Clonmore – Sat 19 Aug – 5.30pm
Clonmore are the favourites for the JFC following their impressive league form that led to the Division 3A title.
Brendan Donaghy looks to be an injury concern for Clonmore, but they should still have too much quality here.
Sean Quigley missed out on the championship last year through injury but is back and is a major boost.
For Killeavy IIs, captain Raymond Taggert is still the main man, and a lot of play will go through his hands.
Group D
O’Hanlon’s v Lissummon – Fri 18 Aug – 7pm
Last year’s beaten finalists Lissummon haven’t reached the same heights as 2022, but still have time to find their feet.
Seamus Loughran’s side suffered relegation to Division 3B, losing eight of their 12 league encounters.
However, they head into the weekend carrying the favourites tag and they’ll hop to live up to that billing.
O’Hanlon’s had a decent league campaign, picking up eight points along the way. Tony Bagnall’s men will be keen to compete in Group D.
Clady v Collegeland – Sat 19 Aug – 7pm
Collegeland look the outright favourites to top the group and proceed to the last eight of the championship.
The 2019 JFC winners still have a huge number of that team involved in their group and finished third in Division 3A.
Clady finished in third spot in Division 3B, missing out on promotion with a draw in the last round of the league.
They’ll be up against it this weekend but Clady will hope to compete with one of the favourites for the title.
