Perfect storm forecast
THE 2017 race for Joe Ward has the potential to be one the fiercest and most wide open of recent times, and last Thursday’s draw did nothing to dampen the anticipation.
It was out with the old and in with the new last season as Sean O’Mahony’s saw off St Mary’s in the county final, while St Patrick’s, Newtown Blues and Cooley Kickhams scrapped for the lives in the relegation play-offs.
But there are already signs that the empire has got its house in order and is ready to strike back, and if the new kids on the block can pick up where they left off too, we could be heading for a perfect storm.
The group stages alone have produced some fascinating duels, but they also throw up the possibility of ultra-competitive knockout games, which for the first time since the advent of the group format, will be determined by an open draw later in the summer.
It’s certainly not stretching the realms of possibility to suggest that as many as six teams - and maybe more - boast genuine title credentials.
Pat’s are sure to be a force again under Davy Nelson.
Newtown Blues arguably possess the most talented squad, but can Breen Phillips get the best out of them?
After bouncing back from last year’s semi-final defeat to win the O’Donnell Cup, and with four county panellists in their ranks, Dreadnots have to be genuine contenders too.
Last year’s finalists should be there or thereabouts again, and you cannot discount Geraldines either.
Cooley Kickhams, Dundalk Gaels, Kilkerley Emmets, Naomh Mairtin and O Raghallaigh’s are all capable of causing an upset on their day and despite a nightmare draw, newcomers St Joseph’s will be determined not to make up the numbers.
There’s a bit of ball to play yet, but the Anchor Tours SFC should be worth waiting for.