Keep your money safe until a reliable form line develops

THE NATIONAL scene makes way for local affairs for the next while in the hurling world, and although the system for the club player is not entirely satisfactory, we should be treated to some entertaining games over the next two weekends.

Safe to say that that the Limerick juggernaut has rolled on relatively uninterrupted and they will enter the championship as clear favourites to regain their crown.

It will be interesting to see how they cope with the pressure of their recent elevation, but there is nothing to suggest that their young team will be fazed over the next few months, with Joe Canning’s injury certainly a huge blow to Galway’s aspirations.

Munster is a minefield but to an extent with the recent re-emergence of Dublin (good league run and still awaiting the returns of Liam Rushe and Conal Keaney), Leinster could be quite a battle also.

The Parnell Park fixture has been flagged as a serious test but I still think Wexford (injury free) will have enough. There is no doubt, however, that both Wexford and Kilkenny will need to tread warily to ensure qualification, and on the other hand the loss of Canning levels the playing field as to who will be the eventual champions in the province.

The first round of our own championship is always hard to call with no form line to work with, but here goes.

St. Martin’s were badly stung by their final defeat last year and will be anxious to start on a winning note. St. Anne’s really put them to the sword in Bellefield last year before coming out second best and, with the greatest respect to the Rathangan men, it will be a bridge too far this year to lower the multi-talented maroon colours this time around.

Tomás Codd’s men will be many people’s pre-season favourites (he won’t like me saying that) and possibly the best preparation for them is not to have as comfortable a journey as last year through the group stages.

Glynn-Barntown’s preparation has been dogged by injuries, with Michael Doyle, Daire Barron and Rowan White notable absentees. This allied to word from Over The Water that the Shels are performing well in recent challenge games points to a Tom Mullally victory here.

Rathnure have started very well over the past few years, only to fade somewhat, and they will have a tough opening against champions Gorey. This game might be a little tighter than many would expect but I still see Willie Cleary’s men getting off to a flying start.

The Harriers under ‘Sack’ Walsh and with Dave Guiney now added to his backroom team should see off newcomers Fethard who themselves seem to be injury-ridden, but if the Ross men can get their full pack out they have the spirit and an ability to cause one upset before this group is completed.

The last two games are hardest to call and if there is to be a draw I think it will come from these fixtures. It will be interesting to see if Oulart can bounce back from a poor last season and, if word is correct, the unavailability of Keith Rossiter and David Redmond this weekend won’t help.

I still find them hard to rule out and if there is to be a minor surprise it could be here with the black and red just nicking it. It’s strange to be referring to an Oulart win as being a shock, but it just emphasises the changing times in Wexford hurling.

The Rapps are slow starters but if Liam Ryan is available I think they can steal this one against Ferns but it will be very close.

Intermediate will be very interesting this year with a lot of eyes on Cloughbawn and Buffers Alley, but if last year told us anything it emphasised how unpredictable this grade can be.

I expect the two heavyweights to get over their first hurdles but with Bunclody, Crossabeg and a few others in the long grass, this grade will be anything but predictable.

Here’s to a great weekend of hurling and, as I said earlier, it is always wise to keep your money in the pocket until a form line develops. Enjoy the games.