Difficult start to the season expected for Clyda Rovers

in 2012 and 2013, in Round 1, and, after losing that game by nine points, they had little over a week to lick their wounds before squaring up to Carbery Rangers, who had filled the runners-up slot in 2014.

They will renew rivalry with the Rosscarbery side next Sunday, and, based on how they fared out in last year’s encounter, Clyda have no reason to be unduly intimidated by the task ahead.

The concession of a soft goal midway through the second half proved their undoing in a game that they lost by just two points, despite having to line out minus the services of three or four regulars due to injury.

They had made things difficult enough too for Castlehaven in the previous round, and they were well in the game until they were stung by a couple of goals in quick succession shortly after half time.

There is no denying that the 2013 PIFC kingpins, eliminated by Bishopstown in a quarter-final replay in 2014, have competed admirably at senior level over the past two seasons, and it would be no seismic shock if they managed to turn the tables on Carbery Rangers.

The West-Cork men, who went under by a point to eventual champions Nemo Rangers at the semi final stage last year, are rated among the leading contenders for ultimate honours again this year, however, and they would have to be fancied to account for Clyda on their best form.

Verdict: Carbery Rangers IT’S always difficult to know what to expect from a divisional side in the opening round of the championship, given the problems they invariably have to contend with in terms of preparation and player availability.

But if Avondhu are in any sort of decent shape, they would be well capable of dispatching Ilen Rovers, who shipped a couple of hammerings at the hands of Nemo Rangers and Carbery Rangers in last year’s championship.

While they did beat St Nicholas in between, Ilen Rovers are clearly one of the weaker senior club sides at the moment, but, for obvious reasons, they are bound to be a bit better organised and committed than Avondhu.

That could be the key factor in Coachford on Sunday, although Avondhu arguably possess the greater individual talent, with the likes of Ballyclough’s Colm O’Neill and Paul Flynn and Kilshannig’s Killian O’Hanlon numbered among their leading lights.

Dan McEoin is Ilen Rovers’ marquee player, and they be will looking to the Cork senior panelist to provide much of the fire-power up front.

Verdict: Ilen Rovers