Big blow to St. Thomas’ as key man Cooney suffers recurrence of foot injury

AFTER an interesting, if not topsy-turvy opening round of the senior hurling championship – which generated its fair share of upsets – the formbook for the second series of games would appear to have been well and truly torn to shreds.

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry, Padraig Pearses, Tommy Larkins, Sarsfields and Ardrahan all secured favourable results in the first round despite the pundits – and the bookmakers – indicating they would struggle to harvest any point from their respective ties.

It means they can all strengthen their stranglehold on a top two finish in their groups should they build on those results this weekend although for Padraig Pearses and Ardrahan, who face each other on Saturday, their meeting could well make or break their season given the quality of opposition in their section.

Of course, the result that raised the most eyebrows in the opening round was Portumna’s demolition of Turloughmore on a 2-18 to 0-6 scoreline, Damien Hayes and Andy Smith netting the four-time All-Ireland club champions goals. They face an improving Killimordaly outfit this Saturday.

The second round also signals the return to action of former All-Ireland club winners St. Thomas’, who had a bye in the first round, as they face Turloughmore, stung by their opening day defeat, in a tricky opener for them.

The last remaining side to enter the championship race is 2014 intermediate champions Cappataggle. They face neighbours Sarsfields, who were impressive 13-point winners over 2014 semi-finalists Beagh first day out.

Elsewhere, there are a number of intermediate games down for decision, with last year’s junior A winners Annaghdown commencing their campaign with a tie against Kilbeacanty. (See fixtures).

SATURDAY

Tommy Larkins v Carnmore

(Kenny Park, Athenry 5pm)

Corner forward Stephen Page (hamstring), forced to withdraw in Tommy Larkins’ victory over Craughwell, is expected to be fit and back in contention for selection this weekend. The set-up will also be buoyed by their U-21s excellent quarter-final win over Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry last weekend. Peter English, Kevin McHugo and Jason Flynn are among their form players at the moment.

Carnmore were competitive in their opening round clash against Castlegar but, ultimately, suffered a 1-18 to 0-13 defeat. Out of that, defenders Anthony Daveron and Ciaran Murray and forward Barry Hanley are all nursing knocks but should be fit to play. Midfielder Donie Fox, though, is unavailable for this one.

Verdict: Tommy Larkins.

Last meeting: 2013 (Second Round) Tommy Larkins 0-15, Carnmore 0-10.

Match odds: Tommy Larkins 1/8; draw 12/1; Carnmore 5/1.

Ardrahan v Padraig Pearses

(Kenny Park, Athenry 6:30pm)

Inspired by the returning Cyril Donnellan, Padraig Pearses caused an upset when dispatching Clarinbridge in the first round. A number of players picked up knocks and strains in that game but manager Martin Tierney is hoping they will have cleared up by the weekend. Corner forward Conor O’Grady is struggling though to shake off a bug. Shane Raftery, Cormac Ward, Sean Hardiman and Keith Donnellan continue to be long term concerns.

Ardrahan, already without Pat Holland (hip) and John Greene (shoulder), have now corner forward Stephen Whelan added to the list after he broke his hand in their opening day draw against champions Gort. While initially disappointed with that result, having led for most of the game, it could still prove an invaluable point for Tom Helebert’s charges.

Verdict: Ardrahan.

Last meeting: 2014 (First Round) Ardrahan 2-10, Padraig Pearses 0-9.

Match odds: Ardrahan 4/6; draw 15/2; Padraig Pearses 11/8.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.