Bumper weekend of hurling finals
It may very well be the last weekend of November but it seems like a sunny Sunday in summer with no fewer than 5 hurling finals down for decision and 2 county Junior A football semi-finals scheduled. Add in an All-Ireland Ladies Football semi-final for good measure!
AIB Munster Senior Hurling Final
Sarsfields v Ballygunner in Thurles on Sunday at 3.15pm
“Ah look we will turn up anyway,” Sars manager Johnny Crowley said somewhat tongue in cheek after the semi-final win over Feakle - a Cork club’s 1st win in this championship since 2016.
On a more serious note, he added: “We were very disappointed at our performance against them last year. We will enjoy tonight and then get back on the training ground and plan for the final which is great to be looking forward to.”
Johnny was also fulsome in praise of his players.“The lads were brilliant, they took up the mantle and it showed today what it means to them to get to a Munster Final - a first for the club.”
As for Ballygunner, “super team 11 in a row counties, and going for 4 in a row in Munster so we know exactly what is facing us, but we’re there and we will give it our best shot.”
The Waterford champions are a quality team and while their record is top class, the return of just 1 All-Ireland title is a real bugbear and one they are determined to rectify. Given the way favourites in other provinces have tumbled, this represents an ideal opportunity to add a 2nd.
They got a real test from Doon in the QF and then dismantled Loughmore-Castleiney in the semi-final and are hot favourites to win this final.
Dessie Hutchinson, the new Waterford captain is a pivotal player for them with Conor Sheahan, Stephen O’Keeffe, Pauric O’Mahony, Peter Hogan, Kevin O’Mahony and Patrick Fitzgerald have been central to their success and will be very determined to add another title.
Despite a slow start, Sars were comfortable winners in the semi-final but they will need to be probably better on Sunday if they are to end Ballygunner’s amazing run. When the sides met last year, it ended in a 2-20 to 0-9 defeat.
What they must do is not allow Ballygunner get an early grip on proceedings andthey must stay in the game themselves - anything less and it could be a tough hour for them.
Conor O’Sullivan, Aaron Myers (my man of the match in the semi-final with 1-6 from play), Daniel Hogan, Cathal McCarthy, Daniel Hogan, Paul Leopold, Ben Graham, Cian Darcy and Jack O’Connor will need to deliver big and a consistent sixty minutes if they are to win.
Ballygunner should win, but maybe the incentive to win the Billy O’Neill Cup called after one of their founding members for the very first time might give Sars that extra bit of incentive.
The match is live on C103.
AIB Munster Intermediate Hurling Final
Watergrasshill v Cashel King Cormacs on Saturday in the Gaelic Grounds at 6pm
Just 6 days after winning the county title, the ‘Hill quickly regrouped and despite conceding a goal within 60 seconds of the SF against Wolfe Tones displayed remarkable resolve to record an excellent win and they will need to be as good again on Saturday night.
This will be another huge test against a club that are now back in the top grade of Tipperary hurling after a few years out of the senior grade.
Cashel have had 2 tough games in the championship; a narrow win over Newcastle West in the QF and then an 8 point win over Abbedorney from Kerry in the semi-final.
In the aftermath of their semi-final win Watergrasshill boss Eddie Enright said: “The lads showed great resolve after a hectic week and we are thrilled to be in a Munster Final and we will get down to work and give it our best shot.”
Daire O’Leary is a big player for the ‘Hill while Adam Murphy had 0-12 in that win. Brendan Lehane, Padraig O’Leary, and Shane O’Regan all played pivotal roles throughout the campaign.
Oisin O’Donoghue who scored a bizarre own point impressed for Cashel along with the hard working Devon Ryan, David McGrath, Ger Browne and Adrian Cummins.
Hard one to call, Cashel not so long ago were competing in the Munster Senior Championship; they also showed their intent by practically conceding their football semi-final to Kilmurry, played without hurlers, and will be a tough nut to crack.
Watergrasshill though have been excellent all year and are well capable of winning this one.
AIB Munster Junior Hurling Final
Russell Rovers v Kilrossanty on Saturday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 1pm
The venue for this game was decided by a coin toss and that was a sensible decision given the proximity of both clubs to one another, making the venue more accessible to everyone especially at 1pm on a Saturday.
Russell Rovers have been down this path before and the re-jigging of the Cork championship gives them another opportunity to win a 2nd Munster title and a shot at the ultimate glory.
For Kilrossanty, it’s a chance to atone for their defeat in the Waterford final to Roanmore by a massive 16 points, and they had an excellent semi-final win over the Banner and that will have them in good shape for this final.
Waterford senior Padraig Fitzgerald was their top man registering 0-13 of their total 0-8 from play in their QF win and his contribution will need to be curtailed by the Rover’s defence.
Rian Hogan, Tommy Prendergast, Seamus Fitzgerald and Waterford under 20 player Jack Power are other key players for Kilrossanty.
On the back of winning the Cork title, Russell Rovers clinically dispatched Moyle Rovers in their SF with the ever reliable scoring duo of Brian Hartnett with 2-3 and 1-5 from Josh Beausang doing most of the damage. Luke Duggan Murray scored the 3rd goal while the experienced Ciaran Sheehan was a threat around the goal.
There’s a nice balance to the Rovers team with Ross Walsh, Kevin Tattan and James Kennefick consistent performers all season.
Cork clubs have an incredible record in the championship, and the odds favour Russell Rovers winning and keeping the title won by St Catherines last year on Leeside for another year.
Co-op Superstores County Junior Hurling Final
Tracton v Killavullen on Saturday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7pm
A couple of years ago Tracton were contesting the Premier Junior Final losing heavily to Ballygiblin. Last year they were relegated and now stand just an hour away from getting back up.
Kieran Kingston’s decision to take over the reins at his home club has obviously been a factor and they have been impressive in reaching this final.
For Killavullen it’s a first county final appearance and the manner in which they have reached it is a testimony to the work put in over the years.
The county junior final is always a great occasion and this decider should be no exception with good players on both sides. They include Tom McGuinness, Ronan Walsh, Michael O’Sullivan - former Cork senior and Mark Byrne for Tracton with Paul O’Sullivan, Padraig Looney, Michael Cagney and Eddie Cotter for Kilavullen.
Tracton’s greater experience of big matches might help them get over the line.
AIB All-Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate semi-final
O’Donovan Rossa v Annaghdown on Sunday in Annaghdown at 1pm
What a remarkable 12 months it has been for the girls from Skibbereen. Last year they were Cork, Munster and All-Ireland junior champions, now they are Cork and Munster Intermediate champions - can they dare to dream and complete the journey?
Who knows but they way they have gone about their business this year would suggest they are in with a shout.
Sunday will represent an acid test especially away from home, as Ciara Hegarty, Nicola Comer, Sarah O’Grady and Chloe Crowe have been key players for the Galway champions to date and playing at home gives them an advantage.
Laura O’Mahony has been exceptional for Rossa all season as have Emily Byrne, Aoife O’Driscoll, Jesicca Beechinor, Fiona Leonard and Fionnuala O’Driscoll.
They had two tight games in Munster digging out wins when they just as easily have lost so the resolve within the group is excellent, that and the brilliant support they get will obviously help.
It’s a tall order trying to win away from home, but with the carrot of another All-Ireland Final appearance in front of them, and this one is in Croke Park, who is to say they won’t defy the odds again?
McCarthy Insurance Group Junior A football SFs
The return of the Cork hurlers from their well deserved holiday means these games can be played and after a long wait.
Inniscarra with Sean O’Donoghue an important player and goal scorer will make the trip to Ahiohill on Sunday at 2pm for their meeting with Kilmacabea who will look to Damien Gore to guide them to the decider. They will start as slight favourites but Inniscarra are well capable of springing a surprise.
Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday at 3.15pm is the venue for the meeting of Castlemartyr and Ballygarvan who were beaten in last year’s final by Canovee. The desire to go one better will give them extra motivation.
The East Cork side are better known for their hurling exploits but since exiting that Championship they have produced some good displays and with Ciaran Joyce an important player for them, they could win this one.
Elsewhere
Junior B Hurling Final on Friday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7.30pm: Fr O’Neills v Aghabullogue, an interesting under 21 hurling semi-final on Sunday on the 4G in Páirc Uí Chaoimh featuring St Finbarr’s v Shandrum at 2.30pm.
Premier Intermediate relegation play-off on Sunday in Glantane at 2pm - Kilworth v Aghabullogue.
There’s a big colleges hurling game on Friday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 12.30pm - the Dean Ryan Cup Final Gaelcholaiste Mhuire (North Mon) v Midleton CBS.
On top of all that the Special Congress is on Saturday where the proposed rule changes for football will be debated and look almost certain to pass - Cork gave them their full backing at Tuesday night’s County Board meeting.