THE ATHENRY selectors have again handed the number 14 jersey to Leaving Cert student Eugene Cloonan in an Unchanged team for their All-Ireland club final against Shannon Wolfe Tones. He will be pitted directly against one of the most formidable full-backs in the country, namely Brain Lohan, captain of the Clare side.
There was a school of thought in Galway that Athenry would opt to play the more experienced and combative Pat Healy against Lohan. But so impressive is Cloonan against Camross in the semi-final that they passed a vote of confidence in him, and the result certainly promises to be a quite intriguing clash.
Cloonan, a nephew of Jarlath Cloonan, a recent manager of Galway, is regarded throughout the county as one of the most promising players to emerge in recent years. It will only be a matter of time before he will be holding down a regular place on the Galway senior side under the guidance of their manager Cyril Farrell, who is well aware of his potential.
Athenry also persist with the rangy Joe Rabbitte at right half-forward though many believe he is more suited a more central position. He is under instructions to move across the line to be in position to contest the dropping ball anywhere around the middle of the field, particularly for the puck out from either goal. Many feel that he needs that extra space on the wing. Shannon will be attempting to keep the AIB Cup in Clare following the victory of Sixmilebridge last year - a first for the county. Athenry will be attempting to emulate their fellow Galwaymen from Castlegar, Kiltormer and Sarsfields (twice).
Cork teams, in football and hurling, have been more successful than teams from any other county since the competition was inaugurated in 1971. Cork teams have won the football nine times (Nemo Rangers 6, St Finbarr's 3), while Blackrock (3), St Finbarr's (2) and Glen Rovers (2) have earned seven hurling titles.
The Mayo champions, Knockmore, are expected to field an unchanged side for their clash in the football final against Crossmaglen Rangers. There have been some worries about the fitness of the Mayo star, Ray Dempsey. He took a knock in the semi-final against Eire Og from Carlow and had to leave the pitch. He has been having intensive treatment since, with a result that his normal training schedule has been cut.
He is of such importance to the side, however, that he will be allowed to continue treatment right up until match time, and it will be a huge surprise if he does not play. His value to the team is underlined by the fact that he scored two goals in the semi-final.
Knockmore will have several players on duty who have experience of Croke Park. They include - Dempsey, Kevin O'Neill and Kevin Staunton, members of the current Mayo squad, and Padraig Brogan, a member of the Mayo team which was beaten by Dublin in a replay in 1985, and who won an All-Ireland under-21 medal with Mayo in 1983.
Croke Park is expecting an attendance in the region of 20,000 for the double bill. All four teams will be appearing in the finals for the first time, and huge interest in their respective counties has been generated. Supporters should note that the Canal End, due soon for demolition, will not be open.
The Ulster under-21 football championship gets under way tomorrow with four matches down for decision. Tyrone take on Antrim in Dungannon, Cavan entertain Donegal in Coothill, Monaghan and Derry clash in Castleblaney and Down travel to meet Fermanagh in Irvinestown.
The Division Two relegation play-off between Mayo and Clare has been fixed for Tuam on March 31st. Extra time will be played if needed.
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