Christy Ring Cup - Round One - Preview

Kildare vs. Mayo
St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Saturday 4th May at 3 pm
Referee; Shane Hourigan, Limerick


Mayo and Kildare hurlers clash in Round 1 of the Christy Ring Cup at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge on Saturday at 3pm. Mayo bowed out of last season's competition losing to eventual winners London in Ruislip last May. Kildare's last game in the 2012 championship was a quarter-final loss to Meath in Navan. Both teams have had indifferent National Hurling League campaigns and Saturday's game will be the acid test of where they stand in their development as hurling counties.

Mayo come into this clash with a very young and in-experienced side. They found the going very difficult in Division 2B of the Hurling League but managed to secure their place in the division for 2014. For the trip to Newbridge they will be without the services of the injured Cathal Freeman. Manager Christy Phillips will be looking to senior players Derek McDonnell, Aiden Connolly, Keith Higgins, Donal O'Brien and Kenny Feeney to take the game to the Lilywhites and will be hoping that newcomers Sean Regan, Nathan O'Malley and Ciaran Finn will also shine on their Championship debuts.

Kildare had a very turbulent year so far with the resignation (and subsequent re-instatement) of their Manager Willie Sunderland due to issues with the County Board and their close brush with relegation in Division 2A of the National Hurling League. Sunderland will be looking to free-taker Paul Divilly, forwards Gerry Keegan and Tony Murphy to take the game to Mayo. He will also be hoping that his defence including goalkeeper Paul Dermody, and backs Fiachra and Niall O'Muineacháin can keep the Mayo forwards at bay and cut out the sloppy mistakes that saw them concede eight goals in the League.

Given the recent history between these two sides and the fact that Kildare have survived in Division 2A of the League this is going to be a very challenge for a young Mayo team. Looking at the form lines to date Kildare will be favourites for this game but if Mayo can exploit any weaknesses in the home defence they are certainly in with a fighting chance. Tweet

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