BALLIN THEIR COURT
COROFIN manager Kevin O’brien has urged caution as the reigning All-ireland champions look to preserve their Connacht record tomorrow.
The Galway men will seek a third provincial title in a row when they face Ballintubber at Machale Park in Castlebar.
It’s a repeat of the 2014 Connacht final where Corofin were victorious on a 2-13 to 1-7 scoreline in Ballintubber’s only Connacht final appearance. O’brien’s men have won six successive county finals and stuffed Roscommon outfit Clann na ngael 4-22 to 0-7 in the Connacht semi-final. It was another big statement from a side who will welcome back Galway football Allstar Ian Burke and hurling All-star Daithi Burke this weekend. But O’brien (left) says it is not straightforward. “When you get to this stage of the competition adaptability is very important. You can read the situation about how the game is panning out,” O’brien said.
“Once players cross the white line they have to make that decision themselves, read the situation and adapt to it.
“That’s going to be important come Sunday because when you get down to the last two in Connacht there are going to be different game plans and situations happening throughout the game. You have to be able to react to them and quickly.”
Ballintubber reached this stage after their fourth Mayo title where they edged out Breaffy by the minimum. Corofin have now won 20 titles in their native county.
But boasting a side with the O’connor brothers, Cillian and Diarmaid, Alan Dillon and Jason Gibbons, Ballintubber will be dangerous opponents.
“Diarmaid and Cillian are two fine players. They have been important players for Mayo over the last few years, and Alan Dillon. They have good players around the middle who have played inter-county,” O’brien told Galway Bay FM.
“They don’t concede an awful lot so they set up very well but they can attack also, they have good players. Diarmaid has a great engine on him, they are able to carry the ball out of defence.
“They are very hungry to work for each other. They don’t mind putting the shoulder to the wheel. Keeping attacks out and then attacking at pace.
“They beat a very good Castlebar side along the way, a lot of people forget that. They have probably been one of the best teams in Connacht over the last few years.
“They have come through their own series in Connacht in very tight games.
“That’s important in any game they have been in throughout the year that’s been tight, they have come out the right side.
“That shows they have good character, spirit within the group. I’m sure they will bring that to the table.”