This weekend sees the quarter finals of the Clare U21 Hurling championship get underway. There are a number of games down for decision in the A, B and C championships. In the A championship the tie of the round sees a repeat of last years final when the holders Sixmilebridge and Crusheen square up to each other on Saturday in Clarecastle. Elsewhere Clonlara, one of the favourites for the title, take on St. Josephs Doora/Barefield and†Ruan holds the contest of Inagh/Kilnamona and Eire Og in a game that could go right down to the wire.

Sixmilebridge vs Crusheen
This will be Crusheen's first outing of the year having received a bye in the previous round whilst reigining champions Sixmilebridge sent out a warning to all the contenders to their crown by easily defeating near neighbours Newmarket-on-Fergus last weekend. The advantage of having already played a game should stand to the 'Bridge and they should progress to a semi final date with Clarecastle. Key players for Sixmilebridge will include Clare U21 and NUIG star Caimin Morey, The Purcell brothers, Shane Golden, Declan Morey and Paidi Fitzpatrick. Crusheen on the other hand will be looking to Clare Senior panellist Donal Touhy, Fergus Kennedy, Jason Greene, Conor O'Loughlin and Darragh O'Doherty to get revenge for last year.
Verdict: Sixmilebrdige

Eire Og vs Inagh/Kilnamona
The Combo had a good win last weekend over Clooney/Quin and will be hoping to get back to the semi-final stages again†with a†win here. Eire Og on the other hand have not had the luxury of a testing game having received a bye in the first round. Inagh/Kilnamona will start as favourites and will be looking to Martin Barry (two goal hero from last week), Sean McConigley and Niall Arthur to keep the scoreboard ticking while also hoping Brian Hehir and Brian Glynn and company at the back keep the Eire Og forwards at bay.†Key operators for the Townies will be Kevin Moynihan, goalie Kevin Brennan, Danny Russell, the O'Halloran's and Cooraclare man Thomas Downes.

Verdict: Inagh/Kilnamona
St.Joseph's Doora/Barefield vs Clonlara
Despite being the favourites for this years championship in the eyes of many people Clonlara were very lucky last time out against Cratloe and as a result will be hoping for a better performance this week. It is hard to see anything else other than a Clonlara win however St.Joseph's will have other ideas and will be hoping that Ivor Whyte, Enda Lyons, Mark Hallinan, Shane O'Connor and Stephen Collins will be on form to cause an upset this weekend. Main players for the 2008 Champions will be the Clare U21 All-Ireland heroes Nicky O'Connell, John Conlon and Darrach Honan, who was in fine form last weekend for the county seniors in Cusack Park. In addition to the big guns they will be looking to youngsters in the form of Cathal O'Connell, Patrick Stritch and Colm Galvin to fire them to victory.
Verdict: Clonlara

U21 B Championship
Wolfe Tones v Tulla/Bodyke.
A draw seemed to be the fair result last weekend and both sides will to eager to improve on their performance to advance to a meeting with Banner/Ruan in the quarter final.† Wolfe Tones should have enough to overcome the amalgamation but only if they play to full potential. Tulla/Bodyke missed the injured Eoin Madden last weekend and will be hoping that Trevor Vaughan keeps up his scoring exploits if they are to win this week. The amalgamation will also be looking for good performances from Sean Hogan, Danny Maguire and Alan Leamy. Wolfe Tones on the other hand will need big performances from Aaron Cunningham, Joe MacGauley, Gary Leahy and John Guilfoyle to advance.
Verdict: Wolfe Tones

Whitegate v Kilmaley
On evidence of last week's performance Kilmaley will be hard to beat this year and on Saturday they will do battle with Whitegate at Dr. Tommy Daly Park in Tulla. Both clubs tasted success last year with the men from East Clare winning the Intermediate championship and of course Kilmaley won the Minor A title for the first time since 2004. Key performers last time out for last year's finalists were County U21 Noel Casey, Stephen McNamara, Michael O'Neill and the hero of last year's Minor final Daire Keane. Whitegate will be looking to the ever reliable George Waterstone, The Fahy twins Andrew and Ian, and Michael Dooley to cause an upset. Overall Kilmaley seem to better balanced and will be eager to make up for the disappointment of last year.
Verdict: Kilmaley

Ballyea v Smith O'Briens
Holders Ballyea were made fight all the way last weekend against a Blaine Earley inspired Tubber who can count themselves unlucky not to have got something from the game. Smith O'Briens meanwhile have their first outing of the year and will be hoping Keith Stritch, Mark McInerney, Pat Vaughan and Liam Walsh are on form to dethrone the champions. The fact that Ballyea have a game under their belts should stand to them and last year's champions will be looking Paul Flannagan, Gearoid O'Connell, Cormac Ryan and Clare U21 Footballer Padraig McMahon to lead them to victory.
Verdict: Ballyea

U21 C Championship
Meelick v Ennistymon
For the first time in a few years Meelick have fielded a team on their own and on the basis of last weeks 3-19 to 1-12 win over Newmarket's second team the South East Clare men, despite their youth, could have a big say in this championship yet. One of the stars of the said victory was ace free taker Sean O'Connor who notched 2-10 over the hour. On Sunday they take to the field against a physically stronger Ennistymon team who will have scorer in chief and free taker Cathal Malone in their ranks. In fact it could very well go down to a dual between the two free takers to determine who wins this one. Ennistymon will need Sean O'Driscoll, Daire Ralph and Enda Slattery to aid Malone. However Meelick seem to be better balanced and if Daire Quinn, Eanna Mulvihil, Greg Daly and young Oisin Hickey put in similar performances to last week then they should march on to the semi-finals.
Verdict: Meelick Tweet

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