IN FOR A HURLING TREAT

Carnew v Glenealy should be a humdinger

WICKLOW’S Senior hurling championship 2016 got off to an interesting start last weekend with the champions being stunned by a rampant Carnew, Glenealy laying down a marker against the unfortunate St Pat’s, and Avondale and Eire Og sharing the spoils in the opening game on Sunday morning.

The biggest shock of the three games was the victory by Casey O’Brien’s Carnew Emmets over the county champions, Bray.

Blitzed in last year’s county final in Aughrim, it was obvious that the Carnew men were not going to go down without a fight, even if it was only the first round. But not many would have predicted the resounding win for the Wexford border men who produced a fine display thanks to a combination of youth and experience on the day.

There will be no panic in the Bray Emmets set up, however, and judging by the ‘banter’ being exchanged on the sideline between members of both management teams, if and when these two meet again, it will be a clash that will be well worth witnessing.

John Henderson’s side were without a collection of key players and will have suffered somewhat with players away with county panels so expect a vast improvement next Tuesday evening when this unit takes to the field against Eire Og Greystones in their second round clash.

Nevertheless, the Bray men will not like the feeling of having played second fiddle to a new-look Carnew side who, unlike last year, look like they now possess scoring forwards and capable man markers.

For Casey O’Brien’s men, this weekend throws up what could well be one of the best hurling matches in Wicklow this year so far.

On Saturday at 5.30pm the old enemies go at it when Glenealy, fresh from their wiping of the floor with Michael Neary’s St Pat’s, take to the field against the men of Carnew.

If Carnew unveiled their young stars on Sunday evening then Glenealy did likewise. Aaron Nugent stamped his authority all over the game against St Pat’s. Danny Staunton was very impressive. Emmet Byrne caught the eye while the experienced Leighton Glynn and MA O’Neill were always in control of proceedings.

The Glenealy men certainly won’t have it all their own way come Saturday evening but it should be an absolute belter of a game if last weekend is anything to go by.

The second game in Aughrim sees St Pat’s attempt to get their season back on track as they take on Emmet O’Sullivan’s Avondale who have Ray Nolan looking like he’s ready for the season of his life.