Is Cusack Cup set for extended west Clare staycation?

SAINT Joseph’s Miltown’s Cusack Cup retention remains firmly in their own hands this Saturday as a victory over Clondegad would guarantee back-to-back flagship league crowns for the first time in 71 years, writes Eoin Brennan.
Anything less and St Breckan’s and Ennistymon have the opportunity to snatch breakthrough Division 1 honours.

St Joseph’s Miltown
v Clondegad
Following last year’s meek championship defence exit at essentially the quarter-final stage to Cratloe, St Joseph’s Miltown have the perfect opportunity to gain an early boost ahead of this year’s Jack Daly race on Saturday.
Put simply, with the head-to-head not a factor, Miltown’s 40 point score advantage is 21 more than nearest rivals St Breckan’s which means that a win of any kind would be sufficient for Miltown to retain the Cusack Cup.
Don’t expect Clondegad to roll over though as they are not without their own motivations.
It’s a repeat of the last final in 2019 when slogging it out in a veritable war of attrition Miltown edged it by the minimum in atrocious weather conditions.
So stopping the holders would not only be a significant badge of honour but would also provide some much needed confidence following two substandard championship runs.
It’s still Miltown’s to use however and backed by all their experience and winning know-how, they will be gunning to do the business on their own terms.

Kilmurry Ibrickane
v St Breckan’s
This could easily have been last year’s county final pairing but far from becoming disheartened, St Breckan’s have continued their upward curve in 2021 in anticipation of another championship tilt.
Champions Kilmurry Ibrickane meanwhile have had a more subdued start with injuries and county commitments piling up to make the Cusack Cup more a chore than a challenge.
With the return of their county contingents at both senior and Under 20 levels, this is the final opportunity for both sides to really test themselves ahead of the renewal of championship rivalry.
With the potential of a first Cusack Cup crown to boot, St Breckan’s have much more to play for with a win putting them in line for silverware if Miltown are held or beaten against Clondegad.

Éire Óg v Doonbeg
Out of the Cusack Cup race, competitive game-time will still be important for Éire Óg and Doonbeg now that, injuries aside, they have a relatively full deck to choose from. Both could do with a win especially the Magpies who have found life difficult in their first year back in the top tier.
Of course, aside from their great history, these sides played out a memorable quarter-final two years ago that Doonbeg shaded after extra-time.
However, while supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed for a repeat of that compelling tie, realistically with both sides set to lock horns again at the group stages of this year’s Jack Daly race, don’t expect either to show their full hand.

Ennistymon v Kildysart
With their Round 4 tie against Kilmurry Ibrickane to come, Ennistymon could still have a say in the destination of this year’s Cusack Cup.
However, it is a long shot as it will require back-to-back victories and for neighbours Miltown to slip up in order for the North Clare Magpies to prosper.
Unquestionably, Ennistymon should have the fate of the Cusack Cup in their own hands after letting Miltown off the hook in their Round 2 clash that ended in a share of the spoils.
They can’t afford to dwell on that however as they prepare to two must-win ties, starting with Kildysart who despite being without a victory since the opening weekend, still have held their own in the top tier.
Barring a major hammering, Lissycasey will be crowned Garry Cup winners regardless of the outcome of their trip to neighbours Shannon Gaels on Saturday.
Two points clear at the summit, a win or draw will cement John Ryan’s side as championship for the first time in nine years after a perfect four match record to date.
With joint-second placed side St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and Kilrush Shamrocks facing each other in a precursor to their championship clash, Lissycasey’s vastly superior score difference of 34 should be enough to withstand even a defeat.
Division 3 will have an ideal ending as Wolfe Tones host neighbours Cratloe in a winner-takes-all decider for the title.
In contrast, it could be calculators at the ready in Division 4 as the Banner (+22), Michael Cusack’s (+14) and Éire Óg (+2) are all tied at the top heading into the final round.
The Townies unfortunately have a bye which rules them out of the running, leaving their neighbours Banner in the driving seat if they can overcome Miltown’s second team on away soil.
For Michael Cusack’s to prevail, they would need either a Banner draw or loss or a handsome victory over Clooney-Quin.
Division 5 is even more open as top-of-the-table clashes between Kildysart and Cratloe along with Lissycasey and Kilrush will go a long way to settling matters while Doonbeg’s long journey to Meelick could be fruitful if they can come out on top.
There are still a few outstanding ties in Division 6 but Parteen can garner rare adult league honours if they can see off Doora/Barefield’s second team on home soil this Sunday.
Ennistymon’s third team have already secured the Division 7 silverware but will be determined to complete a perfect league campaign away to Lissycasey.