Photo: Clonard’s Jason Dowdall calls foul on Moylagh’s Tommy O’Reilly

It seems like an eternity since Clonard’s men last tasted championship action this year. Well, to be exact it has been 3 months and 4 days since that single point defeat to St. Ultan’s on 20th April in Kildalkey.  That defeat followed their opening round draw against Moynalty.

The Clonard men now eagerly welcome their championship return this Friday evening in Athboy when they take on Moylagh in Round three of Group A. It’s a must win game for both teams if they are to keep their chances of qualification alive in the group.  Clonard sit in fourth place just outside the qualification spots, with one point, and Moylagh occupy the sixth and bottom spot after their two opening defeats to St. Ultans and Ballivor.

The two sides are familiar foes having met at the same venue in the championship semi-final two years ago and in a vital round four game last year in Kildalkey. Moylagh were victors on both occasions and will certainly hold the favourites tag considering their recent meetings and contrasting league form this year to date. Moylagh topped division four and have a league final to look forward to while Clonard’s poor league form left them rooted at the opposite end of the same league table.

But as all good GAA enthusiasts know, all form and previous results can go out the window come championship throw-in time and Clonard will certainly be hoping that’s the case. They also welcome back some key players who missed the majority, if not all of that league campaign, including County man Adam Flanagan.

Throw-in is at 7.30pm in Athboy this Friday and the lads greatly welcome your support in a game which promises to be another tight tustle between the two 2017 semi-finalists. Best of luck lads.