Clubs to learn more in round two of Offaly SFC “B”

ROUND 2 of the Tullamore Court Hotel Senior “B” Football Championship takes place this weekend and with a lot of football to be played yet before a clear picture emerges, clubs will learn more.

Clara and Tubber had wins in the first round while Cappincur and Ballinagar drew and Ballycumber and Gracefield suffered losses.

It will be a very competitive championship with a few teams capable of winning it. Clara are the early favourites but their game against a Daingean side who eliminated them last year will tell them a lot more about themselves.

Tubber will have been delighted with their first round win over Gracefield. They didn't go great last year and with Offaly senior hurler, Donal Shirley outstanding for them, it was an important win. A trip to Cappincur, however, will give them a much better indication of where they are. With John Colgan out with a long term knee injury and Bill Carroll also missing action, Cappincur did well to draw with the 2024 intermediate champions Ballinagar, who have a bye this weekend.

The two first round losers, Gracefield and Ballycumber meet in an early must win game. While there is significant room for error in a seven team group with four qualifying for the semi-finals, a second defeat will stack the odds against the losers. It is a huge target game for both and the stakes are considerable.

The fixtures are:

SEE NEXT: “The Gift” that keeps giving for Offaly hurling club

Cappincur v Tubber: Friday, August 1 in Cappincur 7.30pm

Verdict – Cappincur.

Gracefield v Ballycumber: Saturday, August 2 in Gracefield 7.30pm

Verdict – Ballycumber.

Clara v Daingean: Saturday, August 2 in Clara 4pm

Verdict – Clara.