Bray and Pat’s has the makings of a thrilling encounter

AFTER the drama of the Renault Senior football championship last weekend, it’s the turn of the hurlers to take centre stage this weekend with two massive Dacia Cars Senior hurling championship clashes up for decision in Joule Park, Aughrim, on Saturday afternoon.

First up at 3pm is the replay of Carnew Emmets and Éire Óg Greystones following their exciting draw in the quarter-final with James ‘Pooch’ Cranley ensuring another day out with a superb score from the sideline.

Carnew’s exit from the D’Arcy Sand Intermediate football championship on Monday night could work two ways for Carnew. It could focus their minds and make them a more difficult foe for the Greystones men or it could manifest itself as a hangover and leave them vulnerable.

Eitherway it should be a very interesting tussle.

But it’s the meeting of defending champions Bray Emmets and St Pat’s that will have most people’s attention in the next few days.

With St Pat’s turning over Bray last time out in the earlier stages of the championship thanks to a scintillating performance, the big question is whether Bray have recovered and improved sufficiently or will Michael Neary’s men seal a precious place in the county final.

There are plenty of other interesting games on at the weekend but perhaps one of the most interesting developments has already taken place and that was the victory by Ballymanus over Carnew in the D’Arcy Sand Intermediate football championship in Rathnew on Monday night.

The Billies secured the win thanks to a stellar second half showing and the draw for the semi-finals was made immediate afterwards and it pits Paddy Molloy’s men against Hollywood and Dunlavin, who defeated their neighbours Donard-The Glen on Sunday evening, on a collision course with the men of Rathnew.

Interesting times ahead!