Big game ahead for Clyda Rovers
Clyda Rovers v Nemo Rangers
CLYDA Rovers have almost become stalwarts in Cork Senior Football and that experience will be vital as the men from Mourneabbey face up to the toughest test in Cork club football next weekend, Nemo Rangers.
It is clear that this is the most difficult of draws for the men in black and amber, however, there is another argument to say that if you are going to catch the reigning County and Munster Champions then the first day out is the time to do it.
Nemo Rangers will still be reeling from the disappointment of being obliterated in the All Ireland Final and the major question this Saturday night at Pairc Uí Rinn is how will they react? How will Nemo Rangers deal with the start of another run for first the county title before attempting to retain their provincial crown.
Nemo Rangers will again bring serious talent to the table with the likes of Barry O’Driscoll, Luke Connolly Kevin Fulignati, Jack Donovan, Conor Horgan, Paul Kerrigan, Stephen Cronin and Jack Horgan all likely to have a serious impact on this season’s championship however there are a raft of injuries at present with the likes of Paul Kerrigan unlikely to play this time round.
For Clyda Rovers, a host of experienced players should take to the field with the likes of Paul Cronin, Conor O’Sullivan, Conor Flanagan, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Daniel O’Callaghan, Sean Ronayne and former Cork stars Ray Carey and veteran Paudie Kissane all going to be key to the Avondhu side’s chances here and into the future of this season’s competition.
There is no doubt that Clyda Rovers will be up against it this weekend and the bookies don’t fancy their chances of success however this little north Cork club has had its collective back to the wall for many years now and they continue to punch well above their weight.
Last year Clyda bowed out to the students of UCC in Round 4 meaning they are clearly not too far away from the serious end of the competition so regardless of the outcome this weekend, Clyda should be confident they have what it takes to move into the latter stages of this competition.
It would be remiss of me to ignore the giant elephant in the room that is Nemo Rangers, but if Clyda Rovers can’t take the spoils a good competitive performance all the way to the final whistle could only help their cause going forward.