Fechin’s out for revenge in hurling final
PÁIRC Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer plays host to a repeat of the 2017 Louth Hurling final on Sunday as St. Fechins seek revenge for that defeat to Naomh Moninne.
That victory was Moninne’s most recent title and they will look to Darren Geoghegan again to fire them to success.
The dead ball specialist was man of the match in that decider and his form has seen him be prolific for his county this year in what was his first season in red.
St. Fechin’s stranglehold on the competition sees them reach their fifth final in a row, The Termonfeckin outfit have been ever present in the showpiece since they claimed their first title in 2015.
Fechins have shown excellent form this season with manager Donal Lynch pointing out: ‘We’ve reached the final every competition we’ve entered this season, Wining the special Championship but losing the Special League and Senior League to Knockbridge a month ago makes us determined not to lose on Sunday. We have a full bill of health, there is little between the teams, it should be a cracker.’
Moninne on the other hand, will also go into the showpiece with a bounce in their step and Maurice Murphy points out why.
‘Confidence is good camp,’ he says.
‘To get a victory against Knockbridge in the semi final was massive, we played very well and got them on the hop. We also drew with the Fechins in the group so that adds to our confidence levels as well.’
The man in the middle for the clash will be this years All-Ireland final referee James Owens, the Wexford whistler who now infamously sent off KIlkenny’s Richie Hogan as Tipperary won amidst the controversial dismissal.
Elsewhere, the race for the Joe in the Ward will take a significant turn with semi finals taking place this weekend. With last years finalists on opposing sides of the draw, a repeat dose of last years thrilling pairing would certainly appeal to the neutral.
Reigning champions Newtown Blues will have to overcome Dreadnots in Dunleer on Sunday after the hurling final. While recently crowned league champions Naomh Mairtin will need to beat Geraldines in Stabannon on Friday night to get to the showpiece for the second year in a row.
With both sides in danger of taking their eye off the ball and looking to face off again, an upset could be on the cards.
However, to question the two favourites would foolish. Blues took care of the Clogherhead side with ease at this exact stage last year, while Monasterboice defeated Geraldines as recently as July in the group stage.