Due to the extraordinary success of last season s senior squad, which brought competitive matches to the beginning of May, it is hard to believe that the new season has already kicked off. Clonakilty will take to the field for the first time this Saturday when they host Sunday s Well in The Charity Cup. Interest will focus on some new faces to the squad as the build up to The AIB All Ireland League begins. Expect Coach, Declan Coppinger to introduce many of this years new arrivals as well as graduates from the under age section such as Joe Crowley. The Munster and Ireland Youth Squad scrum half received The Young Player of the year Award from Munster President, Niall O Driscoll at the annual dinner and dance in the Quality Hotel.

Others that will not be far from the coach s mind will be Matt Kirby and returning prodigals Joe Lee and Eoin Scannell. Alfie Harte can be expected to take up position in the middle of the front row instead of his usual back row spot. Into the back row could come Tadgh Wright who has looked very impressive in the pre season training as has young prop Peter Stout. Experienced winger John O Donnell in his first season with the club will surely make his mark. This game will kick off at 2.30pm and there is an opportunity for anyone not featuring in that to stake their claims as the extra firsts take on their opposite numbers from The Well at 4.30pm.

Loose Head

Joe Crowley, receives the Young Player of the Year Award from Munster Branch IRFU president, Niall O'Driscoll, at the annual dinner and dance in the Quality Hotel. Joe is also a Munster and Ireland youth squad member.