Cratloe v Clonlara renew rivalry in U/21
Less than a decade ago it was folly to predict that both Cratloe and Clonlara would be in the hat to compete in the U21 A grade. Tomorrow the newly aquainted rivals take to the field in Sixmilebridge having shared the last two County Senior titles, Clonlara having triumphed at this grade two seasons ago and both sides togging out six All Ireland medallists at the level. How times have changed in South East Clare and yet the other side of this fixture may still not produce the 2010 Champions. Last season Clonlara fell as the scalp of the championship when defeated by a Smith O Briens/Feakle and Killenena amalgamation. Cratloe fared slightly better but couldn’t match eventual victors Sixmilebridge in their Semi final pairing.
Atonement for 2009 is at hand for both sides but more of a priority may be the chance to conquer eachother in what is satisfyingly becoming an unexpected rivalry at the proper end of Clare Hurling. Much of Clonlara’s talent has been a central cog in the renewed fortunes of Clare’s underage scene in the past twelve months. Available from last season’s U21 success are the formidable attacking duo of Darrach Honan and John Conlon, who added the Fitzgibbon Cup to his medal haul with a matchwinning point last weekend. Behind them one of Clare’s rising stars Nicky O Connell is expected to lead a steely defence.
A member of Cratloe’s line up has had a good week too. Cathal McInerney’s campaign as captain of the Ardscoil Rís Harty Cup team came to a winning end after two superb draws with Thurles CBS, when, on Thursday, the North Circular Rd. College won their first title. Cratloe will be expected to profit from their attack where Sean Collins and Conor McGrath will be keenly watched. Its likely however that this tie will be won and lost outside the household names. As Sixmilebridge prooved last year, a whole team performance is vital in progressing further in U21 and which ever of the outfits can draw more success from unexpected positions may well be in the hat for Round two.
Throw in at Sixmilebridge is at 12;30 pm and the game will be refereed by Ennistymon’s Tom Stackpoole. Elsewhere in the division on Saturday reigning champions Sixmilebridge will take on Newmarket in Shannon at 4;30. Clooney/Quin will take on Inagh-Kilnamona at the same time in Éire Óg and Broadford/O Callghans Mills will play Clarecastle in Newmarket.
Ar Aghaidh Linn
Less than a decade ago it was folly to predict that both Cratloe and Clonlara would be in the hat to compete in the U21 A grade. Tomorrow the newly aquainted rivals take to the field in Sixmilebridge having shared the last two County Senior titles, Clonlara having triumphed at this grade two seasons ago and both sides togging out six All Ireland medallists at the level. How times have changed in South East Clare and yet the other side of this fixture may still not produce the 2010 Champions. Last season Clonlara fell as the scalp of the championship when defeated by a Smith O Briens/Feakle and Killenena amalgamation. Cratloe fared slightly better but couldn’t match eventual victors Sixmilebridge in their Semi final pairing.
Atonement for 2009 is at hand for both sides but more of a priority may be the chance to conquer eachother in what is satisfyingly becoming an unexpected rivalry at the proper end of Clare Hurling. Much of Clonlara’s talent has been a central cog in the renewed fortunes of Clare’s underage scene in the past twelve months. Available from last season’s U21 success are the formidable attacking duo of Darrach Honan and John Conlon, who added the Fitzgibbon Cup to his medal haul with a matchwinning point last weekend. Behind them one of Clare’s rising stars Nicky O Connell is expected to lead a steely defence.
A member of Cratloe’s line up has had a good week too. Cathal McInerney’s campaign as captain of the Ardscoil Rís Harty Cup team came to a winning end after two superb draws with Thurles CBS, when, on Thursday, the North Circular Rd. College won their first title. Cratloe will be expected to profit from their attack where Sean Collins and Conor McGrath will be keenly watched. Its likely however that this tie will be won and lost outside the household names. As Sixmilebridge prooved last year, a whole team performance is vital in progressing further in U21 and which ever of the outfits can draw more success from unexpected positions may well be in the hat for Round two.
Throw in at Sixmilebridge is at 12;30 pm and the game will be refereed by Ennistymon’s Tom Stackpoole. Elsewhere in the division on Saturday reigning champions Sixmilebridge will take on Newmarket in Shannon at 4;30. Clooney/Quin will take on Inagh-Kilnamona at the same time in Éire Óg and Broadford/O Callghans Mills will play Clarecastle in Newmarket.
Ar Aghaidh Linn
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