Clonmel looking to extend good run at Kilfeacle

IT’S been an exciting start to the Munster Junior League, with some surprising early front runners.

Clonmel made a statement of intent with a victory over last season’s runners-up Richmond. The Tipperary side are used to making strong starts but with the vast experience of Ben Martin both on the pitch and as a coach, they look capable of sustaining a challenge. Their abilities will be sternly tested as they face a tricky trip to Kilfeacle who have stuttered in the early season, but with local pride at stake they will be fired up.

Richmond will be eager to bounce back from that defeat but face a tricky tie as they host Cobh Pirates. The east Cork side have had several players of senior experience arrive back this season and look set for a return to the glory days of a few seasons ago. It should be an eagerly-fought contest but Cobh’s confidence may see them emerge as winners.

St Senan’s are probably the most surprising front runners but a very strong defence combined with the lethal finishing of Fernando Gallant has proved an ideal combination. They host a young Waterpark side who are also off to an unbeaten start and they will certainly test the Clare side’s defence.

All-Ireland Cup champions Crosshaven have got off to a slow start and won’t relish the trip to Skibbereen. The west Cork side have a very powerful pack and it is likely to be an intense forward battle.

Galbally are enjoying life in the top flight and will be expecting to make it three wins from three at home to a Thurles side who were happy with an improved performance last week. Kanturk host Old Christians with both teams enjoying early wins over Kilfeacle. The home team will hope Darragh Meade can reproduce the strong individual display of last week to help them to victory.

In the other tie, Clanwilliam host Tralee with both sides searching for a first win. The Kerry unit have probably been more competitive and with undoubted quality in their squad they may get their season back on track.

Muskerry and Mallow enjoyed excellent victories in their opening round of Division Two games. Their clash this weekend is one of the highlights with Muskerry aiming to win the forward battle.

Presentation will enjoy hosting their first game at this level with a local derby against Newcastle West. Both sides are also set to face-off in the Challenge Shield final and whoever wins will feel confident of challenging for promotion.

It was a difficult start for Scariff at Youghal but with home advantage they will hope to put in a strong competitive display against Killarney. The east Cork men will be aiming to run up another high score against a Ballincollig team who leaked points too easily against Muskerry.

Kinsale will be hoping to reach their potential and should have enough talent to overcome Castleisland. The other two games are very close calls but home advantage should help see Bandon and St Mary’s overcome Ennis and Newport respectively.

In Division Three the big match is in Kerry as Corca Dhuibhne host Killorglin. It could be a high-scoring affair with both sides showing excellent form in their League openers. Dunmanway and Dungarvan were also in excellent form and may fancy their chances against Waterford City and Charleville respectively, despite the latter side’s greater experience.

Abbeyfeale should have enough to get the better of Carrick-on-Suir while Bantry Bay will hope for a home win over Kilrush. The remaining match should be a competitive local derby as Douglas make the short trip across the Lee to face Shandon.