Injury to Kerins mars 'Bridge's emphatic victory

A FREAK injury sustained by Mark Kerins overshadowed Clarinbridge’s comfortable passage into the Stone Crushing and Recycling Ltd Galway senior hurling championship quarter finals in Loughrea on Sunday. The winners were already eight points to the good when Kerins collapsed early in the second half after an awkward landing.Kerins clearly damaged his knee and going on the immediate reaction of team-mates and the measure of discomfort the former county player appeared to be in, it seems highly unlikely that he will be involved in the clash with Mullagh on Saturday, and another prolonged spell on the sidelines could be on the cards.Kerins had been prominent in Clarinbridge’s brisk, impressive start which caught Killimordaly flat-footed, and the underdogs never got closer than three points thereafter, giving those who had ventured out for this early throw-in very little to get excited about.Granted, Killimordaly only found out the identity of their opponents last week and were surely content to have maintained their senior status, but had their first half shooting not been as wayward as it was, then they may well have pushed the 'Bridge a lot closer.Ten wides undermined their good work, though, and allowed Micheál Donoghue’s men build up a healthy lead without ever threatening to raise a green flag.Sharpness of mind and effort was at the heart of Clarinbridge’s stunning start as they raced into a six point lead by the seventh minute. Mark Kerins lofted three frees over the bar and Eoin Collins, Eoin Forde, and Paul Coen were also on target as quick, accurate ball from...