A new Galway SHC campaign begins this weekend with the scheduled eight matches promising to be interesting affairs.
All Ireland club champions Portumna, although not in action this weekend, have shown what can be achieved, and the challengers will be intent on making early statements.
On Saturday at Athenry the Group D tie involving Carnmore and Killimordaly should not be short on bite, while in Group B Athenry face Beagh in Ballindereen.
Ballinasloe is the venue for a double header that should attract a decent audience. In the past decade Mullagh and St Thomas have produced successful underage sides so this encounter will be monitored with interest. A couple of years ago Mullagh seemed poised to emerge as a force, and this season is particularly important for them. The Burke-powered Thomas’ outfit is rarely accommodating, so this ought to be a gritty battle.
That fixture will be followed by Tommie Larkins and Turloughmore who will both harbour intentions to advance to the knock-out stages. Their collision is expected to be similarly tight. Larkins have potential, but Turlough know the benefits that an early triumph can have, so this is being viewed as a critical contest.
Sunday afternoon’s Group C double header at Loughrea will feature two more competitive clashes. Kiltormer and Clarinbridge will both intend to be hurling in the autumn, while Kinvara face new entrants Cappatagle, who were defeated in last February’s All Ireland Intermediate final.
On Sunday evening at Athenry, Craughwell’s joust with Sarsfields in Group A is arguably the most intriguing of the lot, followed by the Group D opener between Ardrahan and Castlegar who have both been training diligently.
Fixtures: Saturday, Group A, Mullagh v St Thomas (Ballinasloe 5pm ); Group B, Beagh v Athenry (Ballindereen 5pm ); Tommie Larkins v Turloughmore ( Ballinasloe 6.30 ); Group D, Carnmore v Killimordaly (Athenry 6.30pm ).
Sunday: Group A, Craughwell v Sarsfields (Athenry 5pm ); Group C, Kiltormer v Clarinbridge (Loughrea 2pm ); Cappatagle v Kinvara ( Loughrea 3.30pm ); Group D, Ardrahan v Castlegar ( Athenry 6.30pm ).
