CLUB HURLING PREVIEWS: Plenty of close ties expected as county club action returns

PREMIER INTERMEDIATE

FRIDAY, JULY 28th - Group 1 - Round 1

Ballina V St Marys in The Ragg @ 7.30pm

Ballina come into this game minus the services of Steven O'Brien who is suffering with yet another injury, and they are still a team in transition with younger players stepping up to this level.

St Marys have been gradually improving at this grade and with Seamus Kennedy and Peter McGarry in tow, they should just about do enough to see themselves clinch an opening-round win.

Verdict: St Marys

Group 3 - Round 1

Newport V Clonakenny in Dolla @ 7.30pm

Clonakenny lost out in an epic Mid final last weekend but will be encouraged and concerned that they did so without Cian O’Dwyer for large spells after his early withdrawal.

Newport have been building nicely this year and will be hopeful that Sean O’Brien will be fully fit after recent injury concerns.

Verdict: Newport

SATURDAY, JULY 29th - Group 4 - Round 1

Portroe V Killenaule in Borris-Ileigh @ 5pm

Recent clashes between these sides have thrown up-close encounters. Killenaule had an impressive win in the South final without John O’Dwyer - who is likely to return - and are a team in form.

Portroe are missing their two best forwards in AJ Willis and Ruadhan Mulrooney and that will mean that this could be a difficult year for the Lakesiders.

Verdict: Killenaule

Lorrha V Gortnahoe Glengoole in Moneygall @ 6.45pm

These two divisional winners and contenders face off in Moneygall. Lorrha are continuing their momentum after back-to-back divisional wins, while Gortnahoe are on a similar trajectory in recent years.

Pacey forwards will be on show here, but Lorrha have an impressive arsenal, and with Patrick “Bonner” Maher in top form, they might sneak the win here.

Verdict: Lorrha

Group 2 - Round 1

Thurles Sarsfields V Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill in Clonoulty @ 6.30pm

Éire Óg will be reeling after being destroyed by Clonoulty Rossmore in the West championship and will be hoping to start life at this level with a win.

They face a Thurles team that didn’t reach the heights of old against Clonakenny, but can’t be underestimated.

Verdict: Éire Óg

SUNDAY, JULY 30th - Group 2 - Round 1

Carrick Swans V Sean Treacys in Cashel @ 11.45am

The Swan came so close to pulling off a comeback win in the South final, but their slow start cost them ultimately.

Treacys have played well in recent years at this grade but will need to produce a big performance to pull off a win here.

Verdict: Carrick Swans

Group 3 - Round 1

Silvermines V Burgess in Nenagh @ 1.15pm

Two teams going in different directions in terms of form. The sides met already a few weeks ago in the North championship, with Burgess winning pulling up, but will be without Donagh Maher, who missed the North final defeat to Lorrha.

Jason Forde’s influence will be interesting to see after a subdued performance the last time out.

Verdict: Burgess

Group 1 - Round 1

Cashel King Cormacs V Moyne Templetuohy in Holycross @ 7pm

Cashel looks like a good team on paper, and despite a big loss to Clonoulty recently, they could have a big say in this year’s championship.

They face a Moyne Templetuohy team who are without Gearoid O’Connor for the last few matches and his return would be timely, as the pressure rests solely on Conor Bowe’s shoulders.

Verdict: Cashel KC