EVANS BIDS FOR ARDFINNAN FAIRYTALE

DRIPPING with sub-plots, tomorrow’s Tipperary SFC final between Ardfinnan and Moyle Rovers in Semple Stadium (3.0) sums up everything that makes club action special.

In one corner stands an Ardfinnan side which was flirting with relegation earlier this year – they were defeated 3-22 to 0-7 by Clonmel Commercials in April – before John Evans (above) helped to produce a miraculous turnaround.

The Kerry native – a former Tipp and Roscommon boss – seems to sprinkle fairy dust wherever he manages and with his duties as Wicklow boss finished for the season in June, he answered the call.

It came from Petey Savage – an iconic figure in Premier football circles – with the view to retaining their senior status and, just four months later, they sit on the brink of a first club success in 13 years.

Former Tipp dual star Brendan Cummins, a native of Ardfinnan, is not involved with the squad but describes the “unbelievable” influence which Evans has had on the parish and the optimism he has created ahead of their final assault.

“It’s mad stuff what he’s after doing with us. His enthusiasm and passion just stirs something inside of you from listening to the players talking about him before games,” five-time All-Star Cummins said.

“He just gets something emotional inside of you that makes you be better than you ever thought you could be. It’s a bit of a romantic thing to say that out loud but that’s exactly what he’s doing and long may it continue.”

Moyle Rovers are also looking for a Hollywood ending – and their first Tipp title since 2009 – with former Premier star Peter Acheson set to jet in from Dubai for the decider.

After helping ‘The Rovers’ stun Commercials with a last-gasp semifinal victory before heading back to Dubai, Acheson landed back on these shores yesterday and hopes to arrive back to the Middle East – where he works as an Operations manager – with a Tipp SFC medal for his troubles.