Eoin Brennan previews the county football championship action with focus on games across all divisions
THE overly-familiar West Clare derby of Kilmurry Ibrickane and St Joseph’s Miltown represents the perfect start for this year’s race for the Jack Daly.
Of course, it’s their fourth championship meeting in less than two years, with the spoils split evenly so far and what makes it even more intriguing is the fact that they have now shared the last six senior crowns evenly (Kilmurry Ibrickane 2016, ’17, ’20, St Joseph’s Miltown 2015, ’18, ’19).
As defending champions, Kilmurry Ibrickane certainly had the upper hand in last year’s championship opener, but a combination of key injuries to Shane Hickey and Dermot Coughlan allied to Miltown’s Cusack Cup winning form have certainly swung this year’s momentum towards the men from Miltown Malbay.
In an unforgiving group, last year’s finalists Cratloe will also be keen to keep pace at the top as they face Cooraclare this Sunday.
The return of ‘Yank’ Sean O’Donoghue from the US is offset by the loss of Jack Morrissey as Cooraclare, under new management, are still a little uncertain of their current form.
Cratloe meanwhile would have wanted anything else but to be embroiled in the Group of Death considering their dual commitments and therefore will be determined to make the first two weekends count as three will emerge to the quarter-finals.
In Group 2, an opening round clash between the last two intermediate champions is just as significant in light of a crucial barometer of where the Parish stand.
St Breckan’s, following a hugely encouraging return to the top flight complete with a semi-final appearance, will be strong favourites to top the group with a perfect run. However, the Lisdoonvarna-Doolin side face their toughest test first as Doora/Barefield have an inexperienced but heralded young squad at their disposal.
It means that Kilrush and Kilmihil have the perfect opportunity to get a head start in Group 2 as only the winner will realistically be vying for advancement to the knock-out stages.
Group 3 is arguably just as competitive as the Group of Death, with the first round derby between Lissycasey and Éire Óg possessing the potential to be the tie of the round if both play up to form.
Lissycasey are the coming side that certainly justified their passage to the last four in 2020 while the Townies have been very much an enigma in the past few seasons but if they can catch fire, are well equipped to go all the way.
In truth, despite this being only the first round, it’s arguably must-win territory for both Doonbeg and Clondegad in what is the final action of the weekend.
If the Magpies’ casualty list is accurate, then an improving Clondegad could prosper.
Group 1 – Kilmurry Ibrickane, Cratloe, St Joseph’s Miltown,
Ennistymon, Cooraclare
The ultimate ‘Group of Death’ is set to come alive over the coming weeks as five become three in a group that has seen all candidates contest a county final in the last six seasons, with three of those mopping up every senior title over the last decade.
Of course, defending champions Kilmurry Ibrickane, 2018 and ’19 winners St Joseph’s Miltown and 2013 and ’14 victors Cratloe will be favourites for those quarter-final spots but the only certainty from this group is to expect the unexpected as Ennistymon have legitimate ambitions of getting their hands on the Jack Daly while a full strength Cooraclare would also fancy their chances of upsetting their West Clare brethren.
Group 2 – St Breckan’s,
St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Kilrush Shamrocks, Kilmihil
With the perennial favourites all pooled together, there is a golden opportunity for others to blossom, none more so than Group 2 which has coincidentally compiled the last four intermediate champions in St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield (2020), St Breckan’s (2019), Kilrush Shamrocks (2018) and Kilmihil (2017).
It goes without saying that seeds St Breckan’s will be favourites to top the poll, having reached the last four in their first season back in the top tier in 2020.
Both Kilrush and Kilmihil should be improved, having been depleted in last year’s championship while perhaps ‘The Parish’ have the desired momentum and conveyor belt of emerging talent to be best positioned for the knock-out stages.
Group 3 – Lissycasey, Éire Óg, Doonbeg, Clondegad
A grouping that all four contenders will genuinely feel that they can emerge from.
Lissycasey are the form side, having soared to last year’s semi-final for the first time since 2013 and since backed it up with a first Garry Cup since 2012 a fortnight ago. Éire Óg, Clondegad and Doonbeg meanwhile will all be looking to prove themselves for varying reasons as one would expect that three teams from this group will contest this year’s quarter-finals.
Éire Óg have sorely underachieved, Clondegad appear to be re-emerging from transition while Doonbeg are also looking to break out of their chrysalis. However, It’s more likely that the the trio with less than a ten mile radius of each other will fill the advancement places.