The Kilmacud Crokes-hosted competition, now in its 51st year, has had to adjust to new dates in recent years to align with the inter-county calendar.
Traditionally, it had its slot on the eve of the All-Ireland hurling final, and Glenalbyn was a magnet for supporters travelling to Dublin for the weekend.
But that changed with the emergence of the split season and with many counties getting their championship underway in July now, the Crokes’ sevens has had to be moved forward and will take place on Saturday, June 15.
The list of clubs competing has not diminished though. Doon, Ballyea, Passage East, Fourmilewater, Loughmore-Castleiney, St Thomas’, Clonkill, Blarney, Clara, Raparees, Athenry and Clarinbridge are ensuring representation from Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Tipperary Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Offaly and Westmeath.
In the past Joe Canning, Noel McGrath, Brendan Maher, Eoin Kelly, John Fenton, Anthony Daly, Ciarán Carey, Gary Kirby, Darren Gleeson, Richie Stakelum and Donie Ryan are among those who have represented their clubs in the competition.
Carey will be back this time as Patrickswell manager.
The former Waterford manager Derek McGrath will also have his Doon team in Dublin for the day.
Tipperary’s Borrisoleigh are the most successful Kilmacud sevens team, crowned champions on five occasions ahead of Fenton’s Midleton, Canning’s Portumna and the hosts themselves who are all on three.
With Galway, Tipperary and Waterford already out of the All-Ireland race, it opens the prospect of some inter-county players being available.
