He is known the length and breadth of this county as an avid football follower. He is seen weekend after weekend officiating as an umpire at games in all grades and at all levels.
There are few better placed than Kilmurry-Ibrickane clubman Patrick ‘Butcher’ McCarthy to offer a view as to who will qualify from the groups in the race for the 2022 Jack Daly cup which will be presented to the winners of the Clare senior championship title.
“I have watched Corofin play over the last number of years and they will cause an odd surprise. Éire Óg, if they have their full panel will be very hard to beat as will St. Breckans who will have benefitted from their success in the Cusack Cup”.
Prediction: Éire Óg and St. Breckans to qualify with Miltown’s experience to see them take the third spot.
Looking at group 2, McCarthy believes that Lissycasey and Cratloe will emerge to the knock out stage. “Doora/Barefield and Kilmihil look to be evenly matched”.
Prediction: Lissycasey and Cratloe to qualify.
Looking at group 3 he noted that, “Of the four teams here Doonbeg finished the highest in the Cusack Cup”. Despite the fact that his own club, Kilmurry-Ibrickane, will be without inter county man Keelan Sexton for their meeting with Doonbeg in the first round this week, he believes that they will be good enough to win the game.
“Ennistymon have been there or thereabouts for the last five years but despite their minor and under 21 successes in that time, it’s disappointing that they haven’t made a bigger impact at senior level. Like a number of Clare senior clubs, the lack of a star forward is proving costly”. In relation to Clondegad’s chances he believes “a lot will fall on the Brennans to lead the way”.
Prediction: “Kilmurry-Ibrickane and Ennistymon to qualify and it could be Doonbeg v Kilmihil in the play off for the last place”
He also believes that Éire Óg and Kilmurry-Ibrickane will be in the shake up for the title. “Éire Óg have the best panel if they get them all out”, he concluded
