Championships starting to take shape
Mount Leinster Ranagers have started the defence of their title in strong fashion Photo: Pat Ahern
Both these sides are in a contrasting situation at the moment. Naomh Bríd know what they have to do as they come to terms with senior hurling. The big question is how much can they improve. Only time will tell but they are motivated and ambitious. St Mullins have not had a good start to the championship losing to Ballinkillen and failing to spark against Naomh Eoin.
St Mullins
This game is just what Rangers need after their opening two wins which were too easy. Naomh Eoin always raise their stall for their friends from the Borris area. It is not too long ago that the Myshall club were what Rangers aspired to be. How times have changed. Now the shoe is on the other foot.
Rangers
This is the clash of the weekend. Both these sides have been battling for semi-final positions over the last few years and the same is set to pass again here. Ballinkillen have the momentum with two wins out of two. The Gaels need to get a win on the board and see if that will kick-start their season. This will be close and probably a teak-tough encounter. Ballinkillen are favourites but if ever there was a time for the Bagenalstown side to show what they are made of this is it.
Ballinkillen.
Last year’s junior winners are finding the going tough at the higher level with defeats to Burren Rangers and Mount Leinster Rangers. Naomh Eoin have a nice mixture of youth and experience and should win here.
Naomh Eoin
Neither side had a game at the weekend. Kildavin-Clonegal had a bye and St Mullins didn’t field in Kilbride. Burren seem to be in a better place than their near rivals.
Burren Rangers
Thanks to their win over Mount Leinster Rangers, Carlow Town will be full of confidence and this game comes at the right time to test that new found energy. Naomh Eoin put 3-15 on Kildavin/Clonegal but they may not repeat this against their visitors at the weekend.
Carlow Town
Not quite a battle of the Rangers but certainly a tasty clash. Burren put up a big score against Naomh Eoin first time out and did so against Naomh Bríd after that. Rangers play a game against Naomh Eoin on Tuesday which didn’t go ahead over the weekend.
Mount Leinster Rangers
At intermediate and junior level Carlow Town have enjoyed some excellent wins. Setanta continue to struggle. Hard to see anything but a home win here. If Shane Gurhy can score ten points against St Mullins he will surely repeat this feat here.
Carlow Town
This fixtures rests uneasy as it stands. St Mullins have pulled out of the intermediate championship which means that any players who have not played in their opening game at that level are eligible here. Surely if a club pulls out of the championship it should be the lower graded competition they should not be playing in?
St Mullins
The Ballinkillen club is buzzing at the moment with the seniors leading the way. There is bound to be ricochet down to their juniors who will be working hard to atone for last year’s defeat in the final. Naomh Bríd are also in a good place and have two wins to their credit.
Ballinkillen
