Can Kilmurry get over the line?
After the drama and excitement of the hurling finals - 3 wins from 3 - the focus now is on Kilmurry as they bid to win the Junior Football title at the 3rd time of asking.
County Junior Football finals in Páirc Uí Rinn and a cracking under 21 hurling final on Friday night, let’s hope the weather holds up.
AIB Munster Junior Football Final
Kilmurry v Firies on Saturday in Rathkeale at 6pm
“Obviously we are delighted to win comfortably but I suppose we would have preferred a much tougher test, but it is what it is and we are in the final.” The words of Kilmurry coach David Drummond after their drubbing of Cashel King Cormacs in the semi-final.
In truth this game was over as early as the 10th minute as Kilmurry raced into a commanding lead and were never going to be caught.
One benefit though was it allowed the Kilmurry management empty the bench early on, as David explained: “That was a plus getting game time into players, a few guys (were) carrying knocks - got them off and rested up. It’s been a busy time so that did help.”
The final is an entirely different matter. “Listen any time you play a Kerry team in championship it’s going to be tough as we have found out the last two years, but all we can do is prepare the best we can and we will and then give it our best shot.”
David also thinks the last two years will be a help. “We know what to expect; it’s been tough losing but the spirit in this group is incredible, as has the journey. 3 long years of highs and lows and hopefully we can finish the year on a high.”
William Ronan the captain is really excited at getting to play in another final. “This will be our 6th, counting county and Munster so it’s great for the club and the area in general but finals are for winning and the desire within the group is as strong now as it was when we started this amazing run.”
William is also well aware of the task facing them. “This is what you play for and we will give it our best shot, for the next two weeks we will get our homework done on Firies, as I am sure they will on us, and see where that takes us, but look playing a Munster final in December is something to look forward to.”
Firies were not among the fancied teams in the Kerry but that’s a very competitive championship and they will be determined to maintain the Kingdom’s dominance of this competition.
In the QF they were comfortable winners over Fenor from Waterford and while they also were in control against the Limerick champions Cappgh in the semi-final they did concede 2-11 and that might be a concern.
Stephen Palmer, Mike Day, Jame Flynn, Diarmuid O’Mahony, James Horgan, Niall O’Donohue and Cian O’Carroll (1-8 in that win), are all big players for the Kerry champions.
Kilmurry got a bit of fright in the quarter-final and fell behind early on, but did not panic, steadied the ship and got over the line with a 1-14 to 1-11 win, while such was their dominance of the semi-final, it was of little value to them.
That QF win shows there is resolve within the group with a lot of very good and experienced players in key positions.
Jason McDonnell is an excellent goalkeeper fronted by Lloyd Aisling, Brian Hinchion and the captain William Ronan who is also excellent going forward - always making the right call.
John O’Mullane, Joe McGinn and Ryan Leahy are top class forwards but their main man is undoubtedly Liam Wall and if he cuts loose, he has proven to be hard to contain.
The expectation is that Firies are favourites to win, but this Kilmurry team are fuelled by the disappointment and heartbreak of the last 2 final losses and that in my view gives them powerful motivation and incentive to get over the line, and they get the nod to do just that.
McCarthy Insurance Group Junior Football Final
Inniscarra v Ballygarvan on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 3pm
A unique pairing, a 1st final appearance for Inniscarra, while Ballygarvan suffered defeats in the deciders of 2008 to Éire Óg and again in 2009 to Glanworth.
Inniscarra are probably better known for their hurling exploits but by beating a fancied Kilmacabea in the semi-final, they will probably start as slight favourites for this decider.
Last year’s Cork hurling captain Sean O’Donoghue is a quality footballer and actually played under 21 with the county side, while goalscorers in the semi-final win Dan O’Connell and Jack O’Dwyer along with Shay Dineen, Sean Sheehan and the match winner Liam O’Connor are big players for the mid-Cork side.
Ballygarvan were comfortable winners over Castlemartyr in their semi-final - in control from the off, they gave a commanding and confident display.
Ray O’Halloran kicked 0-5, some from long range, while Evan O’Connor, Daniel O’Mahony, Cillian O’Regan, Sean Brady and Piaras O’Halloran all made important contributions to the win and indeed throughout the campaign.
Hard one to call, Inniscarra’s early exit from the hurling has given time to prepare while Ballygarvan who lost to Mayfield by just 1 point in last year’s semi-final will see this as an ideal opportunity to make up for that loss.
Inniscarra might just shade this one and the match is live on C103.
The curtain-raiser here is the Junior B Final at 1pm which features Douglas the holders against Goleen.
Co-Op Superstores Under 21 Hurling Final
St Finbarr’s v Midleton Friday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7.30pm
Whatever level these two clubs meet at, you are sure to get a quality contest and this final should be no exception and no doubt the weather will be a factor.
Both sides were impressive winners in their respective semi-finals over the weekend and there is a lot of talent on view in this game.
They include Ben Cunningham (2-14 against Shandrum) was unerring with placed balls, William Buckley, John Wiggington Barrett, David Murray and Ciaran Doolan for the ‘Barrs.
Midleton had tough battle with Newcestown - is it ever anything less from that remarkable club - but late goals from Peter Barrett, Alex Quirke and Dave Cremin got them the win.
The ‘Barrs with Ger Cunningham guiding their fortunes will see this as the ideal platform to build for next season’s senior championship and with a better balanced looking team should win.
Great weekend for Cork clubs
Ok everyone expected Russell Rovers to win, Watergrasshill were slight favourites but no one saw the Sars result coming.
3 Munster club hurling titles on Leeside is some achievement and with Ulster clubs providing the opposition in the All-Ireland semi-finals, dare we say it? Can all three make it to HQ in January?
The Sars win was remarkable, 3-17 out of 3-20 from play, 19 turnovers alone in the 1st half and not once did Ballygunner lead in what was a cracking contest.
I have seen Sars win 5 of their 7 county senior titles and I’m tempted to say it was the best performance of all of them.
It was in my humble opinion, that good.
The workrate, the hooking and blocking all over the field and the quality of scores was just top class, they also are the first Cork hurling club to win the Munster championship having lost the county final which makes this success all the sweeter.
Incidentally St Finbarr’s and Castlehaven achieved similar feats in football.
For now though having enjoyed the celebrations, it’s back at it for a meeting with Slaughtneill from Derry in 2 weeks time.
Manager Johnny Crowley stressed that point after the game. “We will enjoy tonight and then plan and prepare for All-Ireland semi-final, it will be our first obviously so let’s not waste the opportunity.”
Congratulations to all 3 and hopefully the journey will continue.
Football is changed, all changed
49 motions on football rule changes all passed in record time at last Saturday’s Special Congress in Croke Park that was all wrapped up by 12.30pm - some feat by Jim Gavin and his committee.
They come into effect for the new season at both club and county level, no doubt there will be teething issues and it will challenge players, officials and of course referees initially.
That said the changes were needed as football was becoming a tough watch.
It is also pleasing to note that the GAA are organising webinars for all clubs and players in the coming weeks as we all come to grips with the changes, and hopefully the response will help all involved.