Ten ties in second round of Clare Cup action

Eoin Brennan previews all the Clare Cup hurling action over the weekend

Clare Cup Division 1A Round 2

Sixmilebridge v
Inagh-Kilnamona at
O’Garney Park Sixmilebridge,
Friday 7.30pm

Amazingly, a first competitive senior meeting since their 2019 championship Semi-Final clash that appeared to be going in Inagh-Kilnamona’s favour, only to be outflanked by a more wily ‘Bridge side that went on to claim the Canon Hamilton before backing it up in 2020. Inagh-Kilnamona are now the ones in the ascendency after last year’s final appearance so it makes this an intriguing early battle as both are off the back of disappointing first round reverses.

Clooney-Quin v Ballyea
at Clooney, Saturday 2pm

One thing’s for certain, there won’t be a 23 point margin between the sides as there was in 2020 when the sides clashed in the senior championship. That was a particularly low-ebb for Clooney-Quin who were languishing without Peter Duggan at the time.
The County senior’s return last time out against Cratloe was the difference in a high-scoring tie. However, if unavailable this Saturday, it would make it a more more evenly-matched encounter as Ballyea are shy a sizeable county contingent.

Clonlara v Crusheen
at Clonlara, Saturday 4.30pm

With Crusheen and Clonlara eased to victory in their opening bouts, it potentially tees up a tie of round contender in Clonlara on Saturday as both sides are eager to move back up the Clare hurling ladder.
Consistency is the key, much like they were when battling for the Canon Hamilton from 2008-2014. There was a dramatic Clare Cup Final clash at the backend of 2016 that Clonlara edged but the slippage has been notable on both sides of the divide ever since so don’t underestimate a positive start to 2022.

Cratloe v Feakle
at Cratloe, Saturday 4.30pm
It’s the battle that many would have wanted to see to really decide last year’s truncated Clare Cup. However, far from being a final, supporters were left to watch their own final group match while keeping a strained eye on social media for updates on the other which eventually saw Feakle claim the honours for the first time in 33 years by a scoring difference of just three points over Cratloe.
The champions have a chance to validate that achievement on Saturday.

Kilmaley v Broadford
at Kilmaley, Saturday 4.30pm

Kilmaley just about got over the line in their opening derby tie against Ballyea whereas Broadford just about lined out in a 16 point hammering at the hands of Crusheen.
Those results alone indicate that the East Clare side are planning a more gentle reintroduction to competitive action but surely there’s a kick in their second tie on the road this Saturday. Kilmaley showed plenty of grit against the conditions in Ballyea and will be expected to maintain their perfect start on home soil.
Clare Cup Division 1B Round 2

Clarecastle v O’Callaghan’s Mills
at Clarecastle, Saturday 2pm

Who dares to speak of that relegation series that ultimately didn’t happen? Well, both Brian Russell and Donach O’Donnell don’t need reminding of that pressure-cooker atmosphere that while perfect championship knock-out fare for neutrals, certainly enveloped the entire county. Consequently, neither will want to ever be back there again which probably played a factor in their respective first round victories. The Mills won both of their ties against the Magpies in 2021 so will be slight favourites.

Scariff v
Newmarket-on-Fergus
at Scariff, Saturday 2pm

Both faced last intermediate finalists in the opening round to contrasting results as Newmarket-on-Fergus fared far better than the previous season to overcome senior newcomers Smith O’Brien’s by nine while the previous Intermediate winners Scariff lost out to Doora/Barefield. Scariff need to flesh out their attacking options as they know exactly what Mark Rodgers and Patrick Crotty bring upon their return. This is a big test but the Blues will be expected to protect their perfect start.

Éire Óg v
St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield
at Éire Óg, Saturday 4.30pm

A derby that has never been allowed to properly blossom due to their differing championship grades along with county commitments. It has meant a rather diminished neighbouring wrestle for supremacy, with Éire Óg particularly stifled with county players in both codes as can be seen from their respective opening defeats to the Mills and Ennistymon.
The Townies had only a handful of championship regulars last time out whereas the Parish had two-thirds of the side that contested last year’s intermediate decider so depending on personnel, it should be close.

Smith O’Brien’s v Wolfe Tones at Killaloe, Saturday 4.30pm
Ten points separated the sides in last year’s Clare Cup but it was then intermediate side that would be the ones in the ascendency when the final whistle blew in Shannon. Nine months on and Smith O’Brien’s are now senior and at home to the Tones, with both sides needing a backlash following first round defeats. It’s a very good early evaluation for both sides but whichever way the hammer falls on Saturday, there won’t be a double figure margin between them.

Tulla v Whitegate
at Tulla, Saturday 4.30pm

While they’re not saying it aloud, it’s essentially a make-or-break season for both Tulla and Whitegate’s flagship sides. Tulla, having disappointingly passing up two chances at senior redemption have been handed yet another lifeline as no side dropped down to the intermediate grade. With two to fall at the end of this year, it’s a prerequisite for Tulla to follow in fellow East Clare sides Scariff and Smith O’Brien’s footsteps while following their best year at senior level in 2021, Whitegate certainly don’t want to go in the opposite direction.