Mullinavat are just one win away from securing a place in the Shield Final of the St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior League. This Saturday, they face Clara in Dunamaggin at 2 p.m., with both teams having plenty to play for.
While Mullinavat can seal second place in the group with a win, Clara could leapfrog them if they emerge victorious and Graigue Ballycallan lose to Erin’s Own.
Mullinavat come into this game on the back of a hard-fought 3-20 to 2-16 victory over Ballyhale Shamrocks last weekend. Despite this success, manager Colm O’Beirne has called for improvements, particularly when it comes to their accuracy in front of goal.
“It’s frustrating because they’re getting good ball in,” said O’Beirne. “Some of them are unlucky-wides, and some of them, to be straight, are bad-wides. I kind of feel Mullinavat is going to have a day that clicks, and when it does, we’ll put up a serious score.”
O’Beirne believes that his side has the potential to be high scorers but stresses the importance of taking better care with their opportunities. “It’s about getting that day to be a quarter-final or a first-round game. That’s what it’s about. I think there are big scores in us, it’s just the case of maybe taking a bit more care with the ball, getting that first ball to stick, and creating more space.”
The Mullinavat manager also pointed to the work ethic of his forwards, acknowledging their battling nature but suggesting they need to focus more on winning the first ball and taking on defenders. “We’re good battlers in the forward line, but sometimes they’re more comfortable battling than they are winning the first ball and taking their man on,” O’Beirne added.
With the stakes high for both teams, the clash between Mullinavat and Clara promises to be an intense encounter.
In addition to live updates from Mullinavat vs Clara, KCLR will provide full live commentary of the Group B Round 5 game between O’Loughlin Gaels and Ballyhale Shamrocks. Other key matchups across the league include Dicksboro vs Thomastown, Glenmore vs James Stephens, Tullaroan vs Bennettsbridge, and Erin’s Own vs Graigue Ballycallan.
Catch all the action this Saturday, September 7th, with coverage proudly sponsored by Gerry Comerford Drilling Ltd., your go-to for well drilling services for residential, commercial, and agricultural needs. For more information, visit gerrycomerforddrilling.ie.
