Midleton hit hard by injuries ahead of Harty clash with Flannan’s

THE Dr Harty Cup swings back into action this afternoon with former kingpins St Flannan’s, Ennis taking on Midleton CBS, while last year’s beaten finalists Thurles CBS take on local rivals Nenagh CBS.

Midleton CBS v St. Flannan’s, New Inn, 1.30pm.

THE East Cork college will be without Stephen Mulcahy (broken finger) and James Nagle (broken bone in his foot) which will reduce their chances considerably. Midleton found it hard to prepare for the game because of club activity and a defeat at the hands of Blackwater College in the O’Callaghan Cup (Cork colleges).

Paul Haughney, a county minor this year, Michael Russell and Scott Richards will spearhead the Midleton challenge, but the loss of Mulcahy and Nagle may prove too costly.

St Flannan’s have slipped from their lofty perch since they have ceased to be a boarding college. However, reports suggest this year’s squad will be there or thereabouts come the knock out stages.

The surprise but deserved victory of their senior footballers last week in the Corn Uí Mhuirí could be the perfect motivating factor to drive their hurlers on this afternoon.

Killian Ryan, Aaron Considine, Brian Hehir, Niall Arthur and Ray McNamara backbone a team which will give a good account of itself and they may shade the issue after a lively contest.

Verdict: St Flannan’s win.

Thurles CBS v Nenagh CBS, Templemore, 2.30pm

LAST year’s beaten finalists Thurles CBS can call on five of the team which lost the Munster and All-Ireland finals, but injury has robbed them of thee of those players for today’s opener.

Stephen Maher is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, Michael Russell broke his collar bone while Philip Looby is also unavailable.

Club activity has hindered preparation but they should still carry a bit more power than Nenagh with Denis Maher and Michael Doyle the key players.

Nenagh will field a very young team, backboned by a number of the local club’s minor team which is through to the Tipperary county championship semi-final.

Brian Stapleton (brother of Tipp senior Thomas), Shane Maher, Justin Cahill and Darren Delaney will have to be at their very best if they are to have any chance against last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists.

Verdict: Thurles CBS win.