Make or break for some in penultimate round of Clare IFC

Eoin Brennan looks ahead to this weekend’s Intermediate Football Championship Round 2 games 

Group 1
Kildysart v Naomh Eoin at Shanahan McNamara Park Doonbeg, Sunday 12.30pm
Fresh from their 13 point victory over underage amalgamation partners Coolmeen, there seems to be a more ruthless streak surrounding Kildysart this year, perhaps following the major confidence boost of reaching a first Cusack Cup decider. Naomh Eoin matched Kilrush in their derby opener but Kildysart are a step up again.
Verdict: Kildysart

Kilrush Shamrocks v Coolmeen at Labasheeda, Sunday 2pm
With the Shams getting off the mark with a gritty local victory over Naomh Eoin, they will be determined to cement a quarter-final spot in their bid for immediate senior redemption by lowering a Coolmeen side still reeling from their sizeable reverse to Kildysart.
Both sides have a refreshing youthful look but Kilrush’s added sprinkling of senior experience should be decisive.
Verdict: Kilrush Shamrocks

Group 2
Kilfenora v Banner at Páirc Finne Corofin, Sunday 2pm
Having witnessed their championship optimism receive a major reality check only a fortnight ago, both Kilfenora and Banner crave a backlash this Sunday. There is only room for one to kickstart their campaign but while the North Clare side edged matters by 0-7 to 0-4 in last year’s quarter-final, a Shane Meehan-led Banner could be ripe for an upset, having missed their opener against Cooraclare.
Verdict: Banner

Cooraclare v Ennistymon at Clarecastle, Sunday 3pm
More accustomed to clashing with Ennistymon’s flagship side, Cooraclare will be wary of the only second string in the intermediate championship, particularly after the Junior A champions shocked neighbours Kilfenora last time out. With the chance to put one foot in the quarter-finals, Cooraclare will be respectful but equally determined to maintain their perfect start.
Verdict: Cooraclare

Group 3
Shannon Gaels v Michael Cusack’s at Hennessy Memorial Park Miltown Malbay, Saturday 4pm
Last chance saloon for both Shannon Gaels and Michael Cusack’s after shipping sizeable opening defeat. The Gaels, despite the return of county senior Darragh Bohannon, were overpowered by a resurgent Wolfe Tones and should have the edge even allowing for the return of Cusack’s talisman Domhnall McMahon.
Verdict: Shannon Gaels

O’Curry’s v Wolfe Tones at St Michael’s Park Kilmihil, Saturday 6pm
The tie of the round as a new-look Wolfe Tones get a stern evaluation from a seasoned O’Curry’s side. A battle of the first round winners, it could go either way but a fresh approach and faces including Billy Connors allied to their greater strength-in-depth and general buzz around the cub following perfect flagship hurling and football starts could shade matters for the Shannon side.
Verdict: Wolfe Tones