GAA
Tough draws for city hurling sides
Castlegar and Liam Mellows both face stern tests of their senior hurling championship credentials after each were pitted against one of the last three county champions following the second round draw on Saturday.
Castlegar will face 2013 All-Ireland club winners St Thomas’, a side the city men will already be familiar with as it was the Peterswell/Kilchreest outfit who brought their campaign to a halt after a rip-roaring contest (2-19 to 0-21) at the quarter-final stage last year.
As for Liam Mellows, they must account for 2011 county champions Gort in their ‘do or die’ second round clash. Mellows suffered a 2-20 to 0-15 loss to Athenry first day out but it was the manner of the city’s side’s loss that caused some surprise.
In the other second round ties, all of which take place this weekend, Turloughmore will meet Kinvara, who lost their outstanding first round tie to Beagh 1-18 to 1-13 last weekend; Clarinbridge will face Kiltormer; and Padraig Pearses will take on Carnmore, who narrowly lost their replay, 1-14 to 1-12, to Sarsfields on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a pre-championship open evening with the Galway hurlers and footballers – along with members of the respective management teams – will take place at Kenny Park, Athenry this Friday, commencing at 7pm.
Those attending will have an opportunity to see both team panels train on the pitch, and afterwards have an opportunity to ‘meet and greet’ the players and managements, have photographs taken with the players, and get autographs.