Tough start for Kildare clubs as Towns Cup gets underway
Newbridge and Cill Dara each begin their Towns Cup campaigns this weekend. Photo: Martin Rowe
The coveted Provincial Towns Cup gets underway this coming weekend, with a number of Kildare teams on the hunt for a big scalp.
Newbridge have been given arguably the toughest draw of any of the Kildare clubs as they kick off their campaign at home to Clondalkin.
Newbridge are in third place in Division 2A of the Leinster League after this weekend's action, while Clondalkin are one division above, but rock bottom of Division 1B with just three points and yet to register a win all season.
Newbridge will go into the game in high sprits following their dramatic win over North Kildare, while Clondalkin will be reeling having shipped 55 away to Kilkenny.
Next up is Naas, who's first team play in the All-Ireland League. As such, it falls on their seconds to represent the club in the Towns Cup.
Naas 2 ply their trade the Leinster League Premier 2, where they currently occupy top spot and come into the game on the back of a memorable win away to Bective Rangers.
They will face an Ashbourne side currently mid-table in Division 1B of the Leinster League and coming into the game off the back of a heavy defeat away to Kilkenny.
Cill Dara and North Kildare have been drawn with familiar opposition in the form fellow Division 2A sides, Balbriggan and Longford.
Third-place Cill Dara will fancy their chances of getting past second-from-bottom Balbriggan, with Cill Dara winning 42-16 when the sides met in the league in October.
North Kildare will be the underdogs when they welcome second-place Longford to Kilcock, a team who have lost only twice all season and beat North Kildare 13-5 when the sides met in the league in November.
Defending champions are one of five clubs - along with Tullow, Tullamore, Wicklow and Boyne - who have received a bye into Round 2.
