THE battle for the RCM Tarmacadam Carbery Junior A Hurling Championship crown comes to a head this Sunday – and champions Diarmuid Ó Mathúnas put their title on the line. 

All semi-finals in the division’s junior A and B championships will be decided on the day, with extra-time and penalties required if necessary. The stakes could not be higher, as reigning kingpins Mathúnas face their sternest test yet while three other hopefuls dream of reaching the decider.

Ballinacarriga hosts the glamour tie of the day – a repeat of last year’s final – as holders Diarmuid Ó Mathúnas take on Ballinascarthy (2pm).

The 2024 final required a replay to separate these two sides, so few would be surprised if Sunday’s semi-final also went the distance. Mathúnas advanced directly to the last four after topping their group, while Ballinascarthy had to battle through a tough quarter-final. A vital Cian Ryan goal proved the difference in a hard-fought 1-17 to 0-17 win over Randal Óg.

Goals could once again be the deciding factor. Mathúnas have found the net six times in three games, compared to Bal’s three in four outings. Two of those Bal goals came courtesy of Connall Cullinane, who has 2-5 to his name so far. Ryan’s crucial strike against Randals showed they are capable of finding goals at the most important moments.

The champions’ attack has been led superbly by Jamie Lucey, who has fired 3-9 from play, while Caolan O’Donovan (0-18), Robbie Lucey and Micheál O’Sullivan (1-4) have all been consistent threats. For Ballinascarthy, Brian O’Donovan has been their star man. He has scored 0-23 across just three games, with 0-12 coming from play, and his influence on proceedings cannot be overstated. Add in the scoring support of Jeremy Ryan (0-12), Colm O’Brien (0-6) and Eoin O’Driscoll (0-5), and it’s clear that Bal have plenty of firepower.

With so much at stake and a recent history of nail-biters between these sides, this one is almost too close to call.

The second semi-final pits Newcestown’s second team against Kilbree in Enniskeane (4.15pm). It represents a huge opportunity for both. Newcestown last reached the final in 2022, losing to Ballinascarthy, while Kilbree are aiming for their first appearance since 2019. With recent divisional champions Mathúnas and Bal on the other side of the draw, the door is open for a new contender to reach the decider.

Kilbree survived a tough quarter-final test, edging Dohenys 0-13 to 0-12, while Newcestown earned direct passage as group winners. Both sides bring plenty of confidence: Newcestown buoyed by their first team’s strong showing in the county premier senior grade, while Kilbree arrive as Carbery league champions in fine form.

Jim Shanahan (0-15) and Darragh Coakley (1-12) have been reliable on placed balls for Kilbree, with Cillian Twohig (1-10) and Joseph O’Donovan (1-7) also impressing from play. Newcestown, meanwhile, boast scoring depth in Oisín O’Sullivan (0-19), Andrew Shorten (2-4), Fionn Keane (2-2) and Podge Collins (0-7).

Again, this semi-final looks too close to call, with both clubs eyeing a shot at silverware many would not have expected back in the spring.

Can Newcestown build on their impressive group form?

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There’s also plenty of drama promised in the junior B hurling championship semi-finals, both fixed for 5pm. Skibbereen stages a clash of first teams as Bantry Blues meet Gabriel Rangers, while Kilbrittain plays host to Bandon and Barryroe in a battle of second teams.

Bandon topped the round-robin section, beating Ballinascarthy and Kilbree while also receiving two walkovers. Barryroe finished fourth, beating O’Donovan Rossa and Argideen Rangers but falling to Ballinascarthy and Gabriels.

Bantry Blues and Gabriels should produce a cracking contest, with the clubs finishing second and third respectively in the group. Bantry have won all three of their played games, while Gabriels also won three but suffered a setback against Kilbree earlier in the campaign.

All told, Sunday promises to be a super day of hurling across Carbery, with places in both junior A and junior B finals up for grabs.