DR Crokes face a potentially tricky first hurdle in their bid to emulate the historic achievements of Tralee’s John Mitchels who captured five senior Kerry senior football championship titles in a row from 1959-1963.
Four-on-the-trot kingpins Crokes have been pitched against Rathmore in what promises to be an enthralling East Kerry derby and they will find Aidan O’Mahony’s side will put it up to them in no uncertain fashion.
Despite the difficult first round tie, Crokes remain raging favourites and even without the brilliant Colm Cooper, they have many aces in the pack, all capable of producing match-winning performances in their own right.
The likes of Fionn Fitzgerald, Kieran O’Leary, Daithi Casey, Johnny Buckley, Eoin Brosnan and John Payne will fancy their chances of finishing the campaign with another medal in their back pockets and another snapshot with the Bishop Moynihan cup for the family album.
Another intruiging local derby will see Peter Keane’s Legion play East Kerry and the town team will be hoping that the likes of James O’Donoghue, Podge O’Connor, Jonathan Lyne, Brian Kelly and David O’Sullivan will have too much guile and craft for the divisional team.
Kilcummin will have a difficult opener against Shannon Rangers and SFC new boys Currow will be put to the test by St Michaels/Foilmore.
South Kerry will take on a strong Kerins O’Rahillys side, Laune Rangers must fact St Brendans and St Kierans take on Mid Kerry.
Another tough encounter will see Feale Rangers put it up to Austin Stacks, Dingle play Kenmare district and West Kerry have been pitted against Milltown/Castlemaine.
All ties will take place during the June bank holiday weekend and the CCC will decide on venues in the coming days.
Meanwhile, both Crokes and Legion had successful outings in the county league at the weekend with Crokes overcoming Milltown/Castlemaine on a 1-12 to 1-7 scoreline and, in Division 2, Legion saw off Gneeveguilla 2-13 to 0-11.
Other results in the top flight saw Kerins O’Rahillys dismiss Dingle 2-10 to 0-13, Rathmore hammered Currow 2-22 to 0-5 and, in a dress rehearsal for their SFC clash, Stacks had eight points to spare over Finuge, winning 1-13 to 1-5.
High-flying Kilcummin, meanwhile, had a spirited win against St Michaels/Foilmore to keep their great purple patch going.
In Division 2, Kenmare beat Glenbeigh/Glencar 1-11 to 1-7, Skellig Rangers lost at home to Castleisland Desmonds who registered a 0-18 to 2-9 win and John Mitchels beat Blennerville 1-11 to 0-8.
Laune Rangers and Listry finished all square on a 1-12 to 2-9 scoreline in JP O’Sullivan Park.
In Division 3 Scartaglin beat An Ghaeltacht, Glenflesk and Brosna shared the spoils, Keel were too strong for Lispole, St Marys had a 2-15 to 2-4 win over Annascaul, Ardfert had a two-goal victory against Ballymac and Dromid had a single point success against Templenoe.
Fossa did not enjoy the best of fortunes in Division 4, losing to Castlegregory on a 2-13 to 0-9 scoreline, Firies thumped Ballyduff 6-12 to 1-9 and Beaufort lost to Churchill.
Knocknagoshel beat Ballylongford, Na Gaeil were too strong for Cordal and Beale beat Cromane.
Dr Crokes B continue to set a hot pace in Division 5 and continued their impressive winning ways with a 3-11 to 0-9 win against Renard.
Also in the bottom sector, St Senans and Ballydonoghue drew, Duagh beat Valentia, Sneem/Derrynane and neighbours Kilgarvan finished tied, Laune Rangers B lost to Tuosist and Asdee just pipped Moyvane.
