County Cup Hurling starts this weekend

Published: Wed 25 Apr 2012, 10:44 AM

Last updated: Wed 25 Apr 2012, 11:44 AM

AFTER Galway's survival in the N.H.L. top flight, the 'small ball' focus switches to club action this weekend with the start of the County Senior and Intermediate Championships. Senior champions Gort open their defence of the County Cup at Kenny Park, Athenry on Sunday evening, vs St Thomas's at 6.30. This game follows Athenry vs Loughrea at 5.00, in a double-bill that is certain to attract a large attendance. There will also be considerable interest on how the former champions Portumna get on first time out, against Sarsfields at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Sunday at 1.30 after Annaghdown vs Meelick-Eyrecourt in the Finnerty Plant Hire I.H.C. at 12.00 noon.[private] First into action this weekend, in an I.H.C. double-bill at St Brendan's Park, Loughrea on Saturday, will be Ballinderreen and Kilnadeema Leitrim at 3.00 p.m., followed by Cappataggle vs Ã¢€Â¨Kilbeacanty at 4.30. Also on Saturday: at Athenry, in the Salthill Hotel-sponsored S.H.C., Ã¢€Â¨Ardrahan vs Kinvara at 5.00 p.m., Beagh vs Ã¢€Â¨Clarinbridge at 6.30. At Ballinasloe on Ã¢€Â¨Saturday: S.H.C., Castlegar vs Kiltormer at 5.00 p.m., PÃƒÂ¡draig Pearses vs Ã¢€Â¨Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry at 6.30. Also on Sunday: at Ballinderreen, I.H.C., Abbeyknockmoy vs Kilconieron at 1.00 p.m., Ã¢€Â¨Killimordaly vs Oranmore-Maree at 2.30. At Loughrea on Sunday: S.H.C., Carnmore vs Tommy Larkins, 12.00 noon; Ã¢€Â¨Craughwell vs Mullagh, 1.30. At Pearse Stadium on Sunday: I.H.C., Clarinbridge vs Rahoon-Newcastle at 12.30; S.H.C., Liam Mellows vs Ã¢€Â¨Turloughmore, 2.00 p.m. Monday (April 30), at Ballinasloe: Ã¢€Â¨I.H.C., Ahascragh-Fohenagh vs Athenry, at 7.00 p.m. Friday week, May 4th, at Loughrea: Ã¢€Â¨I.H.C., Gort vs Killimor, 7.00 p.m. [/private]