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On Saturday Carlow and Antrim meet in the Christy Ring final. It is their fourth meeting so far this year all highly contested, one ended a draw, another went to extra time. To date Antrim haven't lost and they will relish the date in Croker to atone for the missed opportunities they endured in 2016. The prize tomorrow is not only a trophy but also a date with Laois in the All Ireland qualifier prelim round on the 25th of June. For both teams that is a prize worth fighting for.
Antrim last won the Christy Ring in 2006 defeating Carlow, it was an unloved success seen as a necessary milestone on the way back to the top table. Carlow last lifted the trophy in 2009. For the last few seasons they have soldiered in the Leinster qualifying group.
Two Years is a long time in hurling. In 2015 Derry contested the Christy Ring Final in Croke Park against Kerry. It was a powerful season’s hurling for the Oakleaf men and they just lacked the firepower up front to trouble Kerry. On Saturday the face Armagh, who have been defeated by Roscommon and Mayo in the last two Rackard Cup Finals having previously won the competition in 2010 and 2012.
Derry GAA endured a tough 2016 at the Christy Ring grade, following the departure of some key players, and have begun a rebuilding process,
After Cork and Tipp served up a classic with a mega scoreline, can the Munster championship continue where they left off? The puc passes to Clare and Limerick this Sunday.
Sunday 4pm, Semple Stadium Thurles
Yes, Live on Sky Sports 1HD coverage starts at 3pm.
Clare have won one Munster Championship match in nine years. Yes they won an All Ireland in 2013 but Sunday’s game offers the winner a guaranteed spot in an All Ireland quarter final irrespective of whether they win the Munster Championship or not.
John Kiely is in his first season as Limerick
What you need to know…
Sunday June 2 in Pairc Esler in Newry @ 2.00pm
Live on RTE, coverage starts at 1:30pm.
Live on BBC 2 from 1:45, Mark Sidebottom presents live coverage.
Highlights on RTÉ 2’s The Sunday Game at 9:00pm on Sunday night.
Crossmaglen ace attacker Jamie Clarke makes his first appearance in the Armagh jersey in two years, he’s pencilled in to wear the no 13 jersey in a new look Armagh team that features five championship rookies. Blaine Hughes is in goals while the other Crossmaglen’s Oisin O’Neill who has caught the eye so far, not least in the St Mary’s Sigerson winning team. Also included are Aaron McKay, Niall Grimley and Andrew Murnin.
Armagh GAA start without legend Ciaran
Dublin GAA take on Carlow on Saturday on what is billed as David against Goliath. Few pundits give Carlow GAA a chance, but every Carlow player will relish the task ahead and will be dreaming of Championship glory. In truth, it’s hard for a so called ‘weaker’ county to hang on against one of the superpowers, even they get ahead on the scoreboard there is usually an air of inevitability before they are reeled in. Favourites usually have more steel, skill and a stronger bench. Still, this week the Carlow men will be preparing themselves for their clash with All Ireland champions, testing themselves against the best. Isn’t that what the championship is about?
Down the years there have been a few big shocks that have had the bookies reaching for their satchels.
Jack O'Shea's last