A Guide to the County Finals in Hurling This Weekend
Clare: Clonlara vs Crusheen
The Clare SHC final will be a clash of two teams that have not won the title in a while, as Clonlara take on Crusheen at Cusack Park on Sunday at 2pm. Clonlara last won the title in 2015, while Crusheen last won it in 2011. Both teams have shown great form in the championship, with Clonlara beating Sixmilebridge in the semi-final and Crusheen overcoming Ballyea. Clonlara have a strong team, with John Conlon, Colm Galvin and Nicky O’Connell among their key players. Crusheen have a quality team, with Cian Dillon, Cathal McInerney and Paddy Vaughan among their leaders. This will be a close and exciting contest, with both teams hungry for glory.
Down: Portaferry vs Ballycran
The Down SHC final will be a rematch of the 2019 final, as Portaferry face Ballycran at Páirc Esler, Newry on Sunday at 4pm. Portaferry won that final by four points, before losing to Slaughtneil in the Ulster final. They have a formidable team, featuring Paul Braniff, Eoghan Sands and Caolan Taggart among their stars. Ballycran are the reigning champions, having beaten Portaferry in last year’s final by two points. They have a quality team, with Scott Nicholson, Conor Woods and James Coyle among their main men. This will be a fierce and physical battle, with both teams eager to claim the title.
Leitrim: Carrick Hurling vs Cluainín Iomáint
The Leitrim SHC final will be a clash of two teams that have dominated the county for the past decade, as Carrick Hurling take on Cluainín Iomáint at Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday at 4pm. Carrick Hurling have won nine of the last 10 titles, with Cluainín Iomáint winning the other one in 2017. Both teams have shown great form in the championship, with Carrick Hurling beating Gortletteragh in the semi-final and Cluainín Iomáint beating Ballinamore in the other semi-final. Carrick Hurling have a balanced team, with James Glancy, Clement Cunniffe and Colm Moreton among their leaders. Cluainín Iomáint have a talented team, with Gavin O’Hagan, Karl McDermott and Niall McLoughlin among their key players. This will be a tight and tense affair, with both teams keen to claim the title.
Mayo: Ballyhaunis vs Tooreen
The Mayo SHC final will be a clash of two teams that have been rivals for the past six years, as Ballyhaunis take on Tooreen at Ballyhaunis on Saturday at 4pm. Ballyhaunis have won four of the last six titles, with Tooreen winning the other two in 2017 and 2018. Both teams have shown great form in the championship, with Ballyhaunis beating Castlebar Mitchels in the semi-final and Tooreen beating Westport in the other semi-final. Ballyhaunis have a strong team, with Keith Higgins, Brian Hunt and Adrian Phillips among their key players. Tooreen have a quality team, with Cathal Freeman, Shane Boland and Kenny Feeney among their leaders. This will be a close and exciting contest, with both teams hungry for glory.