Athenry chasing record four-in-a-row

Though the curtain has come down on most county finals, one of the titles still to be decided has the makings of history. A win for Athenry in tomorrow's Galway hurling final would give them a fourth successive county title - a record - and also keep them on course to defend the All-Ireland title they've clinched for the past two years.

The last time Athenry actually lost in the club championship was in the 1999 semi-final against St Joseph's Doora-Barefield, and that's helped create the sort of reputation that would put fear into any side.

Not surprisingly then, opponents Clarinbridge will travel to Ballinasloe as underdogs. Still, you won't find Athenry manager Pat Nally sounding complacent.

"I think the form is coming good now, and certainly I was happy with the way things went in the semi-final," he says. "But, of course, you always fear the day when you might hit a flat or a sour note, and have a day when things just don't come together for the team."

The five-point win over Portumna a fortnight ago certainly suggests that Athenry are coming into form, but the side has been hit by injury. Long-serving full back Gerry Keane is still recovering from an appendix operation and midfielder Brendan Keogh broke a bone in his hand.

Keane may yet make the starting line-up, but, if not, then Diarmuid Cloonan - brother of standout forward Eugene - is ready to step in. Another youngster, Michael Quinn, will take over from Keogh.

Clarinbridge would not be regarded as their most fervent rivals, and the sides have never met in a final. But there was a memorable meeting in the semi-final of 1996 when Athenry eventually came through after a replay in what Nally describes as a "fierce lucky" result.

Most impressive about Clarinbridge in their semi-final win over Gort was the 11-point rampage in the second half. They led by one at the break yet won by eight, based on a 1-6 contribution by the Kerins' brothers, Alan and Mark.

Also to be decided on Sunday is the Limerick hurling final. Defending champions Patrickswell take on Adare in a game sprinkled with inter-county players. The champions have the likes of Ciarβn Carey, Barry Foley and Paul O'Grady, while Adare boast Timmy Houlihan, Conor Fitzgerald and Mark Foley.