Chances to kick on in Round 2
Tommy Murphy and Sean Kehoe flank David English (Ballinkillen), Edward Byrne (Mount Leinster Rangers) and Brian Tracey (Naomh Eoin) at the recent launch of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Hurling Championships Photo: Pat Ahern
Mount Leinster Rangers looked impressive in their demolition of Naomh Bríd in their opening game. No doubt Jamie Nolan will not get the room he was afforded to there from with Jack McCullagh, Darragh Nolan and Niall Bolger leading their side’s resistance. Yet it is hard to see Rangers not making it two wins out of two against a side who will be sure to be as motivated as they can possibly be for this one.
Rangers
After the buzz of last Sunday where they beat St Mullins, Ballinkillen will find it hard to raise elevate themselves to as high a level again so soon. They relied a lot on Ciaran Whelan. They will still be good enough to beat a side who are still finding themselves at this level.
Ballinkillen
Both these sides will be hurting after their respective defeats to Ballinkillen and Bagenalstown Gaels. One would imagine St Mullins will be hurting the most. At the moment they are without players such as the calibre of Marty Kavanagh, Paddy Boland and Ger Coady. Lining out without John Michael Nolan, Naomh Eoin, felt hard done by at the weekend. Particularly with the red card for Paddy Doyle. They have to transfer that hurt into a performance. It is still hard to see them upsetting their traditional rivals.
St Mullins
JJ Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate Hurling Championship
Last year’s beaten intermediate finalists, St Mullins, shipped a heavy defeat to Mount Leinster Rangers in their opening game this year. Naomh Eoin scored 3-15 against Kildavin-Clonegal in their opening game and looked to be in a better position at the moment.
Naomh Eoin
Carlow Town had an opening first round bye and a free scoring Rangers put up 7-27 on St Mullins. It is hard to go against the South Carlow side but the home team have to be winning these games if they are to develop and return to former senior status.
Rangers.
Burren Rangers are on the up and scoring 4-21 in their opening game against last year’s junior champions, Bagenalstown Gaels, suggest they will be too good for St Mullins who faltered badly in their opening game.
Burren Rangers
JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior Hurling Championship
The two clubs are ambitious and are working hard to develop the game. Naomh Brid beat Naomh Eoin by a point at the weekend while Burren Rangers were well beaten by Ballinkillen.
Naomh Bríd
Shane Gurhy and Peter Lynch led the way for Carlow Town at the weekend as they beat Rangers at Oak Park. St Mullins beat a developing Setanta. Carlow Town might sneak this one.
Verdict: Carlow Town Naomh Eoin v Mount Leinster Rangers Myshall, Sunday, 12.00pm Two sides who know each other well at this level come together. Rangers would have hoped to have beaten Carlow Town last time out but had to settle for second best. Naomh Eoin lost to Naomh Brid by a single point. Perhaps Rangers are in a better position to respond to their defeat.
Rangers.
Two defeats on the trot against Mount Leinster Rangers and St Mullins are part of Setanta’s development and Ballinkillen have to be favourites to record a win here.
Ballinkillen
