After an opening round dominated by tight finishes, Round 2 offers several teams an early opportunity to take control of their groups in the Galway Senior Hurling Championship.
Seven clubs already have victories banked, while the pressure is mounting on those seeking their first points. With qualification hopes capable of being strengthened - or badly damaged - this weekend, the championship picture should look considerably clearer by Sunday evening.
Group 1
Loughrea v Moycullen
The champions require a response after Tommy Larkins exposed some uncharacteristic vulnerability, striking three second-half goals to defeat them by five. Loughrea also lost Tiernan Killeen by half-time and were without the likes of Anthony Burns and Kieran Hanrahan.
Moycullen were extremely competitive against Gort, scoring two goals and remaining alive until Eanna Noone’s late free flashed narrowly wide. Though the standard steps up considerably here. James Bradley and Fionn McDonagh provide a threat, but a Loughrea slip-up would represent a major surprise.
Prediction: Loughrea
Gort v Tommy Larkins
Two opening-round winners carrying plenty of confidence.
Aiden Helebert was outstanding for Gort against Moycullen, accumulating 15 points as Andy Coen’s side finished strongly, although there is considerable room for improvement. Larkins produced the bigger statement by dethroning champions Loughrea, Jason Flynn twice finding the net from frees before Cian Daniels added their third goal. With Kevin McHugo also prominent late on, the Woodford-Ballinakill side look slightly better equipped to make it two from two.
Prediction: Tommy Larkins
Group 2
Liam Mellows v Craughwell
Mellows announced their return to top tier hurling impressively, with Tadhg Haran outstanding as Cappataggle were beaten by seven. Their defence was equally impressive, restricting Cappataggle’s starting forwards to just one point from play.
Craughwell, however, almost rescued something against Clarinbridge after a late surge, with Ciarán Leen finishing with 2-9. Tom Monaghan was unusually quiet until late on and a greater contribution from him could swing one of the weekend’s most interesting contests.
Prediction: Craughwell
Clarinbridge v Cappataggle
Evan Niland began the championship in menacing form, hitting 14 points as Clarinbridge survived Craughwell’s late rally.
Cappataggle have more immediate concerns after shooting 15 wides against Mellows while losing Ja Mannion early through injury. With Niall Collins and Donal Mannion also absent, their attacking options were stretched. Clarinbridge will want greater control than they showed late in Round 1, but their scoring power and squad depth make them strong favourites against opponents badly needing a response.
Prediction: Clarinbridge
Group 3
Oranmore/Maree v Sarsfields
Already a hugely important fixture for Oranmore/Maree after they never led against St Thomas’. Rory Burke’s absence was keenly felt, with Niall Burke carrying much of their scoring burden and eight first-half wides compounding matters.
Sarsfields demonstrated far greater resilience against Castlegar, recovering from six points down to almost snatch victory. Eanna Cooney impressed on his senior debut while their scoring was well spread with Alex Connaire contributing four points. Injuries weaken Brian Hanley’s options, but Sarsfields are a more experienced outfit. Oranmore/Maree can scarcely afford another defeat.
Prediction: Sarsfields
Castlegar v St Thomas’
Castlegar showed enough against Sarsfields to suggest Thomas’ face a serious examination. Darragh Neary was superb, 43-year-old Ger Farragher remains remarkably dependable and their substitutes contributed 1-5.
Thomas’, though, looked typically assured in seeing off Oranmore/Maree. Darren Farrell struck four points during a devastating five-minute burst, captain Eanna Burke added five and Conor Cooney punished every indiscretion. Castlegar can push them close, but Thomas’ experience and game management may ultimately prove the difference.
Prediction: St Thomas’
Group 4
Killimordaly v Turloughmore
Two teams already facing significant pressure.
Killimordaly will rue 10 first-half wides after losing to Ardrahan by the minimum, although Brian Burke’s 1-8 and their late revival offered encouragement. Turloughmore also suffered a narrow defeat despite recovering from seven down to draw level with Athenry entering injury-time. Sean Loftus and Sean Linnane combined for 2-8 and provide considerable firepower. Killimordaly need greater efficiency, particularly if Brian Concannon remains expectedly absent, and Turloughmore should have enough to get their campaign back on track.
Prediction: Turloughmore
Athenry v Ardrahan
Athenry further enhanced their growing reputation by defeating Turloughmore in a statement showing, with talisman Jason Rabbitte magnificent and debutant Cian Hannon contributing 1-3.
Ardrahan showed different qualities in surviving Killimordaly’s late charge, with Liam Forde outstanding and Donagh Fahy and Brian Callanan supplying 1-11. Athenry appear to possess greater attacking variety. Another victory would further underline their rapid re-emergence as a genuine force in the senior championship.
Prediction: Athenry
