Loughs clash with Shamrocks in round 2
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League
Round 2 Preview
Now that we’re up and running, round two of the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League throws up some intriguing clashes this weekend. The second serving of fixtures begins on Friday evening with the meeting of Erin’s Own and Danesfort in Tullaroan, both sides seeking the first win of this year’s campaign. Both sides possess quality attackers, so this could be a high scoring affair. The Castlecomer side has quality hurlers in Michael Brennan and the Buggy’s while the newly promoted side have a great mix of youth and experience, Paddy Hogan, Richie Leahy at one end, and Ben Whitty, Fionn Mahony and Anthony Ireland-Wall bringing a vibrancy to this ‘Fort team.
Saturday’s action gets underway in Gowran; where Clara will take on Graigue Ballycallan. The Carlow Road based side suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Thomastown in round one, while GBC had an impressive win over Bennettsbridge. Clara will look to the pacey Rory Glynn, Shane Staunton, Conor O’Shea and Cats panelist, David Barcoe while the men from Tom Ryall Park will hope Aaron McEvoy, Tommy Ronan and Jesse Roberts are on song as they look to secure victory.
Freshford welcomes Tullaroan and Dicksboro on Saturday evening (5:30). Having seen off the challenge of Danesfort in round 1, Dave Mulcahy’s charges will hope to build on this in Páirc Lachtáin. The Sash can call on Mossy Keoghan and Gearoid Dunne, while Dylan Simpson will look to build on his 4-8 tally from round 1. Dicksboro lost a city derby against O’Loughlin’s and will be keen to bounce back from that defeat. Eamon Jackman’s side will look to the experienced Shane Stapleton and Cillian Hackett, while the younger brigade of Timmy Clifford, Padraic Moylan, Harry Shine and the electric Patrick lacey will hope to cause hope to cause plenty of problems for The Sash.
The second of the 5:30 throw-in’s sees the clash of Mullinavat and Thomastown in Páirc na Seamróg. The Vegas Boys picked up a point on the opening day, while the ‘Town had far too much firepower for Clara. Ger Malone will look to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the ‘Vat while the Donnelly inspired men in blue will hope to make it two from two on their visit to South Kilkenny.
The final couple of games in round 2 take place on Sunday afternoon, with arguably the tie of the round getting things underway at 1pm in Thomastown when O’Loughlin Gaels take on current County champions, Shamrocks Ballyhale. Brian Hogan’s men made a great start when they claimed a derby in over the ‘Boro last week, despite missing many household names. One of the young guns at St John’s Park, Ruarc Sweeney had a memorable round 1, notching a hat-trick of majors and will look to follow this performance up against the mighty Shamrocks. Conor Kelly, Fionan Mackessy, and Paddy Deegan will bring the fight. Michael Aylward’s side had to work extremely hard to bag maximum points in their game with Erin’s Own. It’s very unusual to see the likes of TJ Reid and Eoin Cody plying their trade in an opening league game, but their experience and talent will be needed to try and keep the Holden Plant Rentals side at the top of the pecking order. It’s good to see the youngest of Clan Mullen, Jake make the step up to the senior team, a real talent. A large crowd can be guaranteed at this mouth-watering fixture.
Rounding things off at 3pm in picturesque Inistioge, is the meeting between Glenmore and Bennettsbridge. This game is another case of two sides seeking a first win of the league. Ian Byrne’s accuracy ensured the Pairc na Ratha men got something from their battle with The Vegas Boys, while the ‘Bridge went down to an Aaron McEvoy inspired GBC in round one. Bill Hughes will hope to continue raising green flags while Sean Morrissey and captain David Blanchfield will need to channel their physicality to earn the right to play. Glenmore will expect veteran Ger Aylward to get amongst the ‘Bridge defence and allow the likes of Charlie Phelan and Jack Dollard to thrive.
