IT’S the business end of the Bandon Co-op Carbery Junior A Football Championship, and semi-final spots and bragging rights are on the line.

Four huge ties, including two local derbies this weekend, have the potential to spark the championship into life. Extra-time and penalties will apply in the event of a draw.

First up, on Friday night, two clubs separated by only an eight-minute drive, St Mary’s and Diarmuid Ó Mathúnas, meet in Dunmanway (7.45pm).

Mary’s will be sweating over the availability of Olan Corcoran after the former Cork U20 went off injured in their last group game against Carbery Rangers. With 0-17 so far, it’s clear Corcoran is their main sharpshooter. If he’s ruled out, Niall Kelleher (0-9), Darren O’Donovan (1-2), and Rory O’Connor (0-4) will have to provide a spark.

Mathúnas reached the football final last year, so they know how to negotiate these rounds. They have a good spread of scorers, such as Jamie Lucey and Seán Crowley (0-11 each) and Jack O’Callaghan (1-6). With a semi-final spot on the line and the clubs being so close together, this should be an entertaining quarter-final.

On Saturday, Tadhg MacCarthaigh face Goleen in Bantry (5pm) – two clubs looking to seize their chance at a semi-final. Since their Carbery JAFC triumph in 2021, the Caheragh outfit hasn’t really backed it up with another title challenge, but this year their form suggests otherwise.

Unbeaten in the group stage with the second-best attack and defence, they are playing some great football. Their Carbery U21B victory last year has yielded some promising players. In this campaign, Charlie McCarthy (0-17), the impressive Dylan Murray (2-10), and Luke Shorten have been among their leading lights.

Goleen are very reliant on Michael O’Reilly (0-26) for scores, but their defence is the key element. The Mizen club is the only side left yet to concede a goal in the championship – an impressive record. It will be attack versus defense, an interesting dynamic to decide this game.

On Sunday, another local derby takes place between Kilbrittain and Argideen Rangers in Ballinascarthy (2pm). After scoring three goals against Barryroe, Kilbrittain will be coming into this one with the confidence of beating a club with its HQ only 13 minutes away. Conor Hogan (1-10), Josh O’Donovan (2-4), and Ronan Crowley (1-4) will be key for the Black and Amber to progress. Argideen has not hit their top stride in this championship, coming off their county league Division 7 triumph. They will be looking for an improvement from their one group-stage win. Darragh Holland (0-10), the Walsh twins Seán (2-2) and Fergal (1-4), and Bill Fleming (0-6) will need to be in form.

Later on Sunday, we have the game of the round in Rosscarbery (5pm) – a repeat of the 2023 decider between Kilmacabea and Barryroe, as the current champs (Kilmacabea) take on the 2023 winners (Barryroe). The Kilmacs have been the in-form team in the group stage, the only side to win three from three, with Damien Gore (1-18) shooting the lights out as he does. Ian Jennings (1-5) and Liam McCarthy (0-7) have also shown well for Donie O’Donovan’s troops, who are favourites to defend their title.

Barryroe has its own serious threats, though. O’Donovan cousins Olan and Ryan have scored 1-34 between them in three championship games, while Adam McSweeney (1-5) and Luke Murphy (1-3) are also dangerous. A cracking encounter is in store which is likely to attract a sizable crowd.

CARBERY FIXTURES

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

Carbery JAFC quarter final: 7.45pm, St Mary’s v Diarmuid Ó Mathúna in Dunmanway.

Carbery JBFC quarter-final: 7.45pm, Clann na nGael v Newcestown in Aughaville.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

Carbery JAFC quarter final: 5pm, Tadhg MacCárthaigh v Goleen in Bantry.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

Carbery JAFC quarter-finals: 2pm, Kilbrittain v Argideen Rangers in Ballinascarthy; 5pm, Kilmacabea v Barryroe in Rosscarbery.

Carbery JBFC quarter-final: 5pm, O’Donovan Rossa v Dohenys in Drimoleague.