Connacht have tough opener

Connacht, who bridged a 28 year gap when capturing the title at Rosses Point last year, begin their defence of the Interprovincial Championship this morning with a difficult match against Munster at Royal Co Down.

Connacht are again skippered by Adrian Wynne and include seven of the eight players who pulled off a famous victory 12 months ago. The Irish selectors will be particularly interested in the outcome of several singles, notably the number one clash of Connacht’s experienced Eddie McCormack and Irish-American Kevin Phelan, who has been creating a significant name for himself over the past couple of years.

Gary Hurley, West Waterford, who helped Munster to win the boys championship last year, now steps up to the senior ranks with every faith being placed in him by captain Phil Cooney. He has been paired with another newcomer, Geoff Lenehan of Portmarnock and Waterville, in the foursomes against McCormack and Barry Anderson and can also look forward to an interesting singles clash with Michael Durcan.