SHC: Round 1 Preview

The Senior Hurling Championship swings back into action this weekend, with 8 games taking place over the two days. Pearses have a chance to amend for last year’s defeat, to the same opposition, when they take on Moycullen today at 6pm in Kenny Park, Athenry. This year, like last year Pearses are hot favourites, but this will not unduly bother the Gaeltacht men. The winner qualifies for the Group stages, while the loser has a second opportunity to make the Group stages in Round 2. Last year Moycullen, as Intermediate Champions, were exempt from this stage of the competition.
Both managers have a full quota of players to pick from. Moycullen will look to players like Eanna Noone, the Lydon brothers and Conor Bohan to lead the fight. John Raftery has used a big selection of players in the Senior League to date, in his quest to unearth his best 15. It remains to be seen whether Cyril Donnellan will assume the No 6 spot as of last year, or rejoin the attack. Management will also be hopeful that Emmet Ward can resume his impressive form from last year’s Championship and the new players who’ve been trailed on the League can hit the ground running. Best of luck to Management, Panel and all involved.