Minor Hurling Championship Rolls Into Action

The 2011 Clare minor hurling championship finally gets underway this Friday evening with a number of fixtures down for decision in the A and B grades. A few weeks ago the first round was postponed due to the fact that the county minors were contesting the Munster final. Of course this fixture change proved to be an inspired choice as the minors won a second title on the trot last Sunday when overcoming Waterford. Below are the previews for all of these round 2 games.

Minor A - Round 2

Eire Og v Ballyea @ Eire Og, Ennis

The Eire Og club grounds will be the venue for this clash between the Ennis side and near neighbours Ballyea. Eire Óg are going through a transition at the moment and will look to Clare and St. Flannans's player Shane O'Donnell to lead the way. A number of both sides' are schoolmates having represented St. Flannan's over the past few seasons and will be more than familiar with one another. In addition to Shane O'Donnell others players expected to be in the Townies starting line up are Paul Moynihan, David Reidy, James Sweeney, Martin Melican, Joel Hanna and Bryan Nestor. In the view of many people Ballyea are one of the teams to beat in this year's competition. Recent years have seen great strides made by the Mid Clare outfit accumulating A titles at underage grades. Such is the talent available to Ballyea that they also have four county representatives in the shape of Clare captain Tony Kelly, Jack Browne, Gearoid O'Connell and Niall Deasy amongst their side. Indeed, all four featured heavily in their U21 B success back in April where they beat O'Callaghan's Mills in the final. Furthermore, Ballyea will again have assistance from a few isolated players including Kilmihil trio Martin O'Leary, Stan Lineen and Allyn Dalton who are also crucial to their hopes. Overall it is hard to see Ballyea being beat as they look to be the better-balanced side.

Verdict: Ballyea

       Clare minor captain Tony Kelly will be in action for Ballyea against Eire Óg

Newmarket v Clarecastle @ Newmarket-on-Fergus

Defending champions Newmarket will have home advantage in this local derby with Clarecastle. Last year the "Blues" surprised Sixmilebridge in the final and still possess a number of that side. They have been dealt a blow before a ball is pucked as county minor Shane Liddy is out injured while doubts remain over the fitness of fellow county man Frank Melody who in recent weeks has been sidelined with a shoulder complaint. In addition the Newmarket men have two other county minor men in their team namely in Niall O'Connor and Shane Kelleher while other players they will hope to lead the way will be Evan Keogh, Sean Gleeson and James Warren. In 2010 Clarecastle blooded a number of U16's and having contested the U16 final back in October they will be confident to qualify for the last four. Clarecastle will include Conor O'Gorman, a member of the Magpies senior side, in their ranks along with Jamie Coughlan and a number of those who played in the 2010 U16 final against Sixmilebridge such as Conor Clancy, Gearoid Ryan, Stephen Ward, Aidan McGuane and Bobby Duggan. It has the makings of a good game of hurling with the greater experience of this Newmarket team expected to push them over the line in what should be a tightly contested affair.

Verdict: Newmarket

Clonlara v Sixmilebridge @ Clonlara

This tie is a clash of the 2009 U16 B champions and the U16 A champions of the same year. In recent years both clubs have had their fair share of success at underage level and will both hope to be in the shake up for this title. Clonlara have key players in the shape of Colm Galvin and Cathal "Tots" O'Connell who both played important roles in last Sunday's county side that regained the Munster title. They also contain two other panellists in brothers Oisin and Shane O'Brien while they will also be looking for big performances from Ryan Morris, Eoin Meehan and David Begley. Earlier this year the "Bridge" clinched the U21 A title with names such as Jamie Shanahan, Seadna Morey and Brian Carey featuring prominently in that success. All three are Clare minors along with Alan Mulready with all four expected to man the central positions while their side will hope others such as Evan McInerney, Mark Hehir and Sean Lynch hit form. They have won the last four U16 A championships and have a conveyor of talent coming through. Add in that they have also lost the last three minor finals so they will want to atone for that this year. It is being touted as the game of the round and should be a close one but come the full time whistle Sixmilebridge should be ahead.

Verdict: Sixmilebridge

 

          Seadhna Morey will be in the Sixmilebridge team this Friday

Clooney-Quin v St. Joseph's Doora/Barefield @ Clooney

This is another local derby with Clooney-Quin playing host to St. Joseph's Doora/Barefield this weekend. Clooney-Quin have impressed at this grade in recent years and each year are improving having contested the quarter final in 2010. They contain a well-balanced side and will be hoping to get through to the semi finals as it is well within their reach. Their man light will be the skilful Peter Duggan who played his part in Clare's recent Munster success at this grade. Duggan is deadly from placed balls and will be joined by Dave Barry, Keith Hogan (both of whom are also Clare panellists), Jason Ryan, Brian Clune, John Reynolds and Niall Hehir in the Clooney starting line out. Doora/Barefield seem to be in a period of transition at the moment but none the less they will be hoping to get off to a winning start. The "Parish" can call on Clare minor duo Jarlath Colleran and Alan O'Neill who are also regulars on their senior side. These two are their key players while they will also seek good performances from other players such as the likes of Donal O'Halloran, Kevin Maloney, Fiachra Tuohy, David Conroy and Aaron Landy. Overall Clooney-Quin appear to be the better balanced side and should get their campaign off to a winning start in this one.

Verdict: Clooney-Quin

Minor B - Round 2

Group 1

Inagh/Kilnamona v Broadford @ Inagh or Kilnamona

It was not that long ago that Inagh/Kilnamona won the A championship but this year they will compete in the second tier. Last year they had three county minor representatives and fielded a young side in the championship with a number of these players expected to fill central roles this year. Key players for the Mid Clare outfit are Patrick Healy, Gerry Coote, Cathal McConigley, Ciaran Devitt, James Keating and Joseph Gallagher. Their East Clare opponents Broadford will fancy their chances of doing well at this level and will also field a youthful side most of whom will be underage next year. Clare minor panellist Donie Whelan is sure to be their man score getter with the likes of Damien Keniry, Craig Shanahan, Brian Taylor, Micheal McInerney and Danny Reddan also expected to be in their line up. It is sure to be an entertaining game with Inagh/Kilnamona expected to justify favouritism.

Verdict: Inagh/Kilnamona

Kilmaley v Scariff/Ogonnelloe/Whitegate @ Kilmaley

Minor A champions as recent as 2009 Kilmaley will face a stiff test from this Inis Cealtra combination. Kilmaley can still call on a few of that minor winning side and will look to Clare minor Eoin Enright, Cillian McNamara, Paul Kennedy, James Maloney and Miltown duo Conor Cleary and Aidan McGuane to show the way. The amalgamation will seek good performances from county minor panellist Rory Skelly and his Ogonnelloe club mate Peter English, Eoin Quirke, Paul O'Rourke (both Whitegate) and Scariff duo Barry Nash and Enda Nugent. It is a hard one to predict but giving Kilmaley's experience of playing at A level this might swing it their way.

Verdict: Kilmaley

Parteen v Meelick @ Parteen

A local derby between two clubs that in times past played under the same banner and in more recent times amalgamated to great effect. It is a pity that they have not joined forces to compete in the top tier as there is a good bunch of players between both sides. Parteen will have Clare minor Martin Moroney in their team along with Noel Bridgeman, David Small, Eoghan Kelly, Gavin Higgins and Cian McCarthy. Meelick will call on two county minors of their own in Oisin Hickey and Damien Moloney while Colin Ryan and the Ryan triplets Gavin, Evan and Darren are other players they will be looking to show the way. In a local derby anything can happen but Meelcik with Hickey and Moloney might sneak it.

Verdict: Meelick

Group 2

Feakle/Killanena v O'Callaghan's Mills @ Feakle or Killanena

In this East Clare clash Feakle/Killanena will be fancied to overcome O'Callaghan's Mills. Both sides contain a number of players that featured in their respective ill-fated U21 county finals earlier this year with the "Mills" losing out in the B decider and their opponents losing out in the C. Feakle/Killanena can call on Clare minor and Feakle duo Eibhear Quilligan and Shane McGrath along with Colin McNamara, Martin Glynn, Eoin McMahon and Padraig Brady from Killanena. O'Callaghan's Mills will hope Clare minor panellist Sean O'Gorman, his brother Aidan, Kevin O'Callaghan, Jamie Lynch, Eoin McInerney and Darren Cooney are on form. Another tight contest is expected with the amalgamation getting the nod.

Verdict: Feakle/Killanena

Wolfe Tones v Crusheen/Tubber @ Shannon (W/O to Crusheen/Tubber)

This game is down for decision but by all accounts the Shannon town club of Wolfe Tones has pulled their team from the competition due to small numbers. This is a shame to see and means that those players interested in hurling will have to play junior or senior for the remainder of the year. Last Sunday saw Wolfe Tones very own Aaron Cunningham play his part in the minor’s Munster success, it is a pity he and those that were due to play won’t see action at this grade in 2011. As a result Crusheen/Tubber are set to get the walk over but they will have preferred to claim the points on the field of play. It is a shame as players such as Cunningham, Eoin Collins, William Flynn, Darragh Downes and Sean Reidy (Wolfe Tones) along with Jamie Fitzgibbon, Rory Halpin, Sean Weir, Gerry Rosengrave (Crusheen) and Tubber duo Paddy O'Connor and Kevin Fawle would have featured in this tie.

Corofin v Smith O'Briens @ Corofin

The last fixture in this group sees Corofin take on Smith O'Briens. The Killaloe and Bridgetown men will be hoping to go all the way this year and certainly they contain some players amongst their ranks that are capable of going all the way. They will face a stiff test from Corofin who will look to Manus and Jamie Malone, Gearoid Kelly, Liam Corbett, Luke Conroy and St. Breckan's club man Declan Stack to show the way. Smith O'Brien's have a Clare minor panellist in the shape of the speedy Michael Ryan while other players they will be hoping to hit form are Mark Stritch, Mark O'Halloran, Noel McInerney, Jason and Christopher Monahan. Expect Smith O'Brien's to win this one.

Verdict: Smith O'Briens

Clare and Galway – The Banner versus the Tribesmen

“Win or bust” is basically the mantra for these two great rivals as they go in search of the crucial victory that would ignite their championship flame for 2011. Both are coming into this game with a heavy burden of expectation harrowing over them. Of course, the form of each one is different, in Clare the reputation of this young team is glowing after the fight they put up against Tipperary after being wrote off. In that said tie Clare out hurled the All-Ireland champions for the first twenty minutes but alas when did hurling for just that short period of time ever win a game? If the Banner men can sustain that level of performance for the full seventy then they will win but they do face a wounded animal in the shape of near neighbours Gallimh. The Galweigans were poor against Dublin and save for a goal from Joe Gantley the scoreline would have been greater. Approaching that game three former starts were outspoken on the current team which failed to initiate a response from the hurlers in the Leinster semi final. Much of Galway’s hope lies on the shoulders of 22-year-old Joseph Canning from Portumna, against the Metropolitans he did not enjoy his greatest day in the Maroon gansai. True, he notched 1-3 with the goal coming after a slip by full back Tomas Brady that as it transpired curtailed Brady’s involvement in the match and the points coming from placed balls. In addition, he also hit at least 7-8 wides but remember he has had his fair share of injury problems so far this year. However, one of the games most promising talents certainly wont have an off day like that again and come this Saturday evening you can be sure he will be rearing for road. Galway have Canning, Clare have Honan. Again, Darach Honan was suffering from injury coming into the Clare versus Tipperary game and he did not endure his best day but again when Honan is fully fit and on fire he is unmarkable. He won't be able line out in this one due to injury but there is another forward in Clare making a name for himself. 

Conor McGrath will be in action this Saturday evening when Clare meet Galway

That forward being Conor McGrath who has been unearthed as their most potent forward after hitting 1-6 against Tipperary, 1-2 from play and what a way to start your career with an excellent individual goal less than a minute in. The nippy Cratloe youngster is still 19 years of age but is well able to hurl, indeed he is also an accurate free taker which is crucial to Clare after the retirement of Niall Gilligan in 2009 and before that Jamesie O’Connor. Both Gilligan and O’Connor were key forwards for the Banner and excellent free takers. It is expected McGrath will be watched today by David Collins and that will certainly be the duel to watch. Another interesting duel will be Conor Cooney versus Joe Canning, old LIT team mates they will know each other fairly well and have marked each other in the past when WIT and LIT faced off in the Fitzgibbon Cup most notably in 2008 but also in 2007 and 2009 when they met in the group stages. When both counties clashed in 2009 James McInerney earned the plaudits for a good hours defending against Canning and both LIT boys could be in direct opposition at some stage come 7 pm in Pearse Stadium. Galway boss John McIntyre has made five changes from the Dublin game the most talked about one being the axing of captain Damien Joyce while Clare guru Ger “Sparrow” O’Loughlin has one enforced change with the injured Honan being replaced by Sixmilebridge clubman Caimin Morey. As for the preditction? Well, it’s like this if Clare can replicate the opening twenty minutes against Tipperary and keep it going for at least another thirty then they will win. Still, it’s hard to call as Galway with home advantage and all this criticism being levelled at them are bound to come out with all guns blazing. They have six forwards that on paper can cause damage but when did six Galway forwards ever click? Save the 2005 clash with Kilkenny, they never really do, will that change this weekend? The experience of Galway might just shade it but really it's hard to call. The man target for the Tribesmen is Canning while Clare’s main man on Saturday will be McGrath, big expectations for two young and talented hurlers. Let’s hope it’s good and more importantly that the result be in Clare's favour. Up the Banner!

U21 football championship results and previews

After last week’s opening round there are three more games in the U21 football championship this weekend. Three teams will make their first appearance of the year with reigning champions Ennistymon doing battle with Wolfe Tones while the 2010 runners up Cratloe will also be in action whey they square up to Clondegad on Sunday. The other game sees Miltown and St. Breckan’s facing each other in Ennistymon on Saturday. Below are the results from the previous round with the previews for this round of games underneath it.

U21 Results

U21 A

St. Breckan’s 1-14 v Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-5

Clondegad 2-8 v St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 3-4

St. Joseph’s Miltown 2-17 v Kilrush 3-4

U21 B

Kildysart/Coolmeen 3-10 v Kilmihil 2-8

Doonbeg 1-12 v Kilkee 0-14

Corofin 2-12 v Cooraclare 0-6

U21 A Previews

St. Joseph’s Miltown v St. Breckan’s @ Ennistymon, Saturday 3.30 pm

Two up and coming bunch of players here on either side that makes for an interesting and exciting game. In round 1, Miltown racked up 2-17 against Kilrush with St. Breckan’s hitting Kilmurry Ibrickane for 1-14. It is no wonder why this is being labelled as the game of the round considering the high scoring both racked up last time out. Key to the St. Breckan’s cause are the Cormican twins and Stephen Tierney, if Miltown are to win this one they will need to combat this trio. Other important figures for Breckans are the Sean Howley, Michael Reddan, John Stack and Noel McDonagh. However, Miltown have some quality performers of their own including Joe Curtin, Peter Cleary, Micheal Malone, Darragh McDonag and the Cleary twins Conor and Eoin. It is a hard match to call and is shaping up to be the game of the round. Both teams have a good win under their belts and will be hoping to gather more momentum as they go in search of glory. Miltown seem to have the better balanced side and will hope to get one step closer to last year where Lissycasey upset them in the semi final. They will however need to contain Breckan’s main men who on their day are match winners. Expect Miltown to advance here with a win in what should be a tight affair.

Verdict: St. Joseph’s Miltown

Ennistymon v Wolfe Tones @ Eire Óg, Sunday 1 pm

A first outing for both these two sides that in the recent few years have made great strides at underage level. Ennistymon clinched the county title last year with a good win over Lissycasey. Prior to this they claimed a number of underage titles and actually got to the U21 final in 2009 as well where they were well beat by Cratloe. On the other hand Wolfe Tones from Shannon have also reaped the rewards with underage glory including an U16 A championship last year after a lapse of six years. It is expected a few of that side will see action this weekend. Interestingly both clubs met in the senior B final last year where the Shannon side proved too strong on the day for their North Clare opponents. A notable feature was the presence of youthful exuberance on both panels for that game with a number of those expected to take to the field for this tie. Most of the victorious 2010 Ennistymon side are available again as they try defend their crown at this grade. They have county experience in the shape of Micheal O’Loughlin, Sean Driscoll, Sean McConigley, Michael McDonagh, Ronan Linnane and Joey Rouine who are all expected to be in their team as they go in search of glory yet again. Clare U21’s Daniel Gallery and Sean Brennan will be the key men for Wolfe Tones who will also look to county minors Craig O’Brien and William Flynn along with Stephen McInerney and Aaron Leahy for inspiration. It will be interesting to see how this game enfolds but on paper anything other than an Ennistymon win would be a surprise as they have so many of their 2010 team available.

                                   Joey Rouine will be in the Ennistymon attack on Sunday

Verdict: Ennistymon

Clondegad v Cratloe @ Gurteen, Sunday 7 pm

This is another interesting tie with some quality footballers expected to be on display. Clondegad impressed last time out against a fancied St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield while Cratloe had a bye in the previous round. However both sides will be sweating on the availability of key players for this game. For Clondegad It remains to be seen if Tony Kelly and Gearoid O’Connell line out as both are key players on the Clare minor hurling side that will be in action in the Munster final next week while county senior panellist Shane Brennan is struggling with injury. If these three are not available for Sunday then it would represent a huge blow to the hopes of a victory for the Mid Clare outfit. In addition to the above trio they will look to chief score getter Paudge McMahon, Conor Gavin, Cormac Ryan and Kevin Donnelly to spring a surprise here. Cratloe are tipped by many to go all the way this year, in the 2010 semi final Ennistymon got revenge for the defeat Cratloe inflicted on them in the 2009 final. Similar to their opponents Cratloe have worries of their own, they will hope that key men and Clare senior hurlers Liam Markhan, Conor McGrath and Cathal McInerney will come through the All-Ireland senior hurling championship qualifier game against Galway on Saturday unscathed. They have a quality side with players such as Conor Ryan, Padraig Collins, Jamie Joyce and the De Loughrey twins Dean and Wesley amongst their team while Markham mans the middle with McInerney and McGrath their most potent forwards. Although Clondegad are an up and coming team it is very hard to look beyond Cratloe who should have too much in the tank for last years U21 B finalists.

Verdict: Cratloe

Clare U21 football championsip rolls into action

It’s that time of the year once again when the crème de la crème of the county’s best U21 footballers go in search of glory in the respective grades. For football followers there is an action packed round of fixtures in the A and B championship this Saturday and Sunday. Firstly let’s look at Saturday which plays host to one 1^st round game in the base championship with two more down for decision in the second tier. Meanwhile on Sunday there are three ties in the A grade and two more in the B competition with the game between Lissycasey and Eire Óg potentially the pick of the round. Anyway enough of the chitchat here are the previews for this weekends action.

Saturday

U21 A Championship Round 1

Kilrush Shamrocks v St. Joseph’s Miltown at Doonbeg 6:30 pm M Talty

There is nothing like a good battle between two footballing hotbeds to get the ball rolling for this championship. In Kilrush Shamrocks and St. Joseph’s we certainly have that with the two club’s having proud histories and of course success with the big ball. It is fair to say that both will fancy their chances at this level this year with both having made strides in recent years. Miltown will start this game as favourites which is hardly surprising considering the amount of inter county experience that lies within their ranks. Underdogs Kilrush will feature Clare U21 back man Chris Dixon who will provide leadership and the Shams will also need Clare minor Darragh Bolton and the likes of Eoin Tarrant, Callum Bond and Conn Prenderville on form if they are to upset the odds. Since they won the U21 B title in 2008 the men from Mount Callan and surrounds have blooded a number of players in with the guile and class that remains from that team. In Joe Curtin, Micheal and Seanie Malone they have key performers from that 2008 team, add in exciting minors such as the Cleary twins Eoin and Conor and you have a well balanced side. Expect the Miltown boys to advance here.

Verdict: Miltown

 Conor Cleary in action for the Clare minor footballers

U21 B Round 1

Kilmihil v Kildysart-Coolmeen at Labasheeda 6 pm M Fitzgerald

The Shannon Gaels club grounds in Labasheeda will play host to this clash of a youthful Kilmihil and the estuary amalgamation of Kildysart-Coolmeen. Kilmihil are likely to include a number of minors in their side including Stan Lineen and Martin O’Leary both of who are Clare minor players while the likes of Daniel Blake, Colm Callinan and Mark Coughlan are other key players who will provide experience. Their opponents Kildysart-Coolmeen partook in the A grade last year putting it up to 2009 champions Cratloe before fading away. Indeed, they will be hopeful of success at this level and with players such as Keith O’Connor, Kieran Leahy, Damien Hill (Kildysart) and Coolmeen duo Jason O’Leary, Kevin Corry amongst their side they will be quietly confident of advancing to the next stage. The amalgamation should have just enough to advance to the next round.

Verdict: Kildysart-Coolmeen

                            Kildysart-Coolmeen will look to Keith O'Connor to show the way

Clarecastle v Shannon Gaels at Ballynacally 6 pm D Fox

Who can forget the two classic duel these two neighbours played out last year? Eventually it was the Magpies led by the skilful Aaron Considine that prevailed on the right side of a 2-10 to 2-9 finish in the replay. Interestingly, Considine could have been facing his own club if his transfer to the Gaels earlier in the year was not withdrawn. A member of the county junior panel he will lead the well known hurling club’s charge for success at the big ball most likely from centre back or midfield. Other players of note for the men from Clarecastle are Fergus Ryan, Jamie Coughlan, Conor O’Gorman and Cormac Donnellan. Once again, the Gaels will have assistance from neighbouring club Killimer who again are not fielding at adult level this year. Killimer native Ruairí Norby is their danger man and he will need good support from ex county minor Micheal O'Donnoghue, Sean Reynolds, Diarmuid Lorrigan and Nigel Hehir if this young side are to reverse the scoreline from the aforementioned 2010 game. A number of their team were part of their minor winning outfit that claimed the C title last year in their amalgamation with Killimer and should see off the Considine led Clarecastle here.

Verdict: Shannon Gaels

Sunday

U21 A Championship Round 1

St. Breckan’s v Kilmurry-Ibrickane at Ennistymon 12 noon T Stackpool

A repeat of the 2008 county minor B football final with a clash of St. Breckan’s Lisdoonvarna and Kilmurry-Ibrickane. On that occasion it was Breckan’s who won the day. That will be firmly etched on the back of these Ibrickane minds come Sunday where they will be eager to inflict revenge on Breckans who are making the step up having won the B title last year. They certainly have a strong side a number of whom were introduced to the adult football scene when they were just out of U16, three such figures are the fulcrum of this bunch namely Stephen Tierney and the Cormican twins Conor and Sean all pacey, skilful and composed footballers. Factor in other players such as John Stack and Sean Howley, and see why they are being touted as the side to keep an eye on. However, they will be up against a talented Kilmurry Ibrickane pack that included a number of lads that have worn the saffron and blue at minor over the past couple of years. A number of these are currently featuring on the panel of thie flagship team in the fishing village including main score getter Niall Hickey; factor in fellow senior panellists and medalists John Willie Sexton, Thomas Lernihan, Graham Johnson and Seamus Lynch and you have a well drilled side. This is expected to be tight game with only a kick of a ball between the two. If the Bricks can keep the Cormican’s and Tierney under wraps and keep Lynch and Hickey supplied with the ball then they have a chance. However, that trio are a handful to watch so the shout goes to Breckan's.

Verdict: St. Breckan's

            Graham Johnson is expected to be in the Kilmurry defence this weekend              

Clondegad v St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Eire Óg 12 noon J Hannon

This is another tie that has all the makings of a good free flowing game of football. Clondegad have a number of players that are key to their intermediate side while St. Joseph’s have a good bunch coming through having won the minor A championship in 2010. Footballers of the calibre of Padraig McMahon and current senior panellist Shane Brennan would make any club side in the county. They are important men for Clondegad who can also call on the likes of Cormac Ryan, Clare minor football captain Conor Gavin and his hurling counterpart Tony Kelly. Doora/Barefield are traditionally a hurling club but in recent years have made great strides at football including U21 success in 2008 and of course the minor win less than 12 months ago. The likes of Stephen Collins, Shane O’Connor, Alan O’Neill, Jarlath Colleran and Cathal Duggan are all good footballers and they will fancy their chances against the 2010 B finalists in this one. Again, it is hard to call but you would give a hesitant nod to Barefield.

Verdict: St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

Eire Óg v Lissycasey at Ballyea 12 noon P. Cosgrove

Lissycasey will look to make up for the disappointment of last years final defeat with a win over an Eire Óg side that on paper are capable of ruffling a few feathers. The West Clare team will start as favourites but they will be up against an Eire Óg team featuring current Clare senior Darren O’Neill, who is an injury doubt, and two others with senior experience in the shape of Dean Ryan and Sean Crotty. These three will fill central positions on the town sides fifteen with the likes of Darren O’Meara and Graham Glynn. As for Lissycasey who came up just short last year, they have the majoirty of that corp of players available again this year. They will seek good performances from Enda Finnucane, Martin O’Connor, Dermot Nagle, Matthew O’Shea and Francie Hayes if they are to move a step closer to getting back to the final. It could very well be a close game and the game of the round but it really depends on whether or not the Townies get going, if they don’t then expect Lissycasey to win it with no fuss. On the other hand, if they do then expect a ding dong battle.

Verdict: Lissycasey

               The Lissycasey team that lost out to Ennistymon in the 2010 final

U21 B Round 1

Corofin v Cooraclare at Miltown 12 noon B Kelly

Another interesting tie will be held at Hennessy Memorial Park where Corofin will face Cooraclare. This particular Corofin side has a number of players that are regulars on their adult side while Cooraclare have a nice blend of youth and experience. In 2010 Cooraclare got to the last eight of the A championship with help from Kilkee while Corofin came up short in the semi final in the B equivalent. You would expect the Milesians to advance with Thomas Downes, John and Gearoid Looney, Joey Martyn and Damien Burke available. However Corofin also have good potential in the likes of Luke O’Loughlin, Kevin and Stephen Heagney, Fionn Clancy and Darren Malone. It is another hard one to call but while it is difficult to predict a winner Cooraclare’s experience of playing in the premier tier might steer them to victory.

Verdict: Cooraclare

Doonbeg v St. Senan’s Kilkee at Kilrush 6 pm G Keane

This local derby is bound to bring out supporters of each clubs to Kilrush on Sunday when they go into battle for a place in the next round. Given the rivalry that exists between these two you can expect a battle with very little expected to be between the two come the final whistle. Last year Doonbeg had a year to forget in the A grade prompting them to go down a grade while Kilkee didn’t even field a team of their own instead assisting Cooraclare in their quest for A honours. Doonbeg will have Clare U21 corner back Joe Blake leading their charge while youngsters such as James McInerney, Nathan Capon, Eoin Conway and Cathal O’Keeffe will be expected to step up to the plate if they are to get bragging rights. St. Senan’s certainly won’t want to lose this one and with players like Eoin Talty, Darren Owens, Chris Williamson and Conor King they have senior experience while others such as Ronan Browne will need to put in a good shift if the Blues are to advance. It will be closely fought but St. Senan’s should dispose of their old foes.

Verdict: St. Senan’s Kilkee