Group A Group B Group C
Coolderry Birr Shinrone
Kinnitty Belmont Ballyskenagh
Kilcormac/Killoughey Lusmagh Drumcullen
Seir Kieran Killavilla St. Rynaghs
Shamrocks Clara Tullamore
Again going through it group by group, group one seems quite fascinating. Coolderry should cruise through, woth Kinnitty and Kilcormac the favourites for the second slot – arguably the county’s biggest overachievers and underachievers in 2005. I’d expect Kinnitty would find the going that little bit tougher against Clareen, local rivalry and all that, so K/K should be favourites, but it would be a great clash. Shamrocks still should be improving, and they were very unlucky last year, but staying out of the relegation section could be a big ask for them – though I could see them causing one upset somewhere if they don’t lose everyone to playing football.
Group B seems a lot more straightforward – Birr will hockey everyone, Clara should lose all four, Killavilla will only beat Clara, though they might try and maim a few guys against Belmont and Lusmagh, and the winner between Belmont and Lusmagh will stay involved, and might even fancy their chances of taking on a group C team in the quarters. Hard to know who I’d pick – Belmont have lost a few key players in recent years, but so many of their strong players are under 21 they really should only improve. At the risk of being accused of bias again, I’m guessing they might sneak it.
Group C is very tricky to read – every team has weaknesses you can pick on, though obviously if they play to even 50% of their potential Rynagh’s should top the group. Tullamore have been given a reprieve, so they better make use of it – I’ll have no sympathy if they get relegated this year, but if their decent range of younger players step up and start leading the team instead of still relying on the likes of Kelly and Martin, they actually might surprise themselves. Tullamore and Drumcullen to get drawn into the relegation battle, with Drumcullen possibly even going to go down along with Clara, while Skenach will avenge last year’s quarter final and grab the second quarter final place.
Now, I’ve put myself out there to be shot town – come and have a go ….
