Knocknagree face Cullen in novel decider
Given the local rivalry, it makes for a fascinating encounter, both sides have made steady progress to reach this decider on merit.
Cullen go in search of their 7th outright title, the first surfaced in 1936 on their initial win over Boherbue followed by subsequent triumphs in 1939(Millstreet) and 1967(Boherbue).
Thereafter, Cullen waited in the wilderness for another 37 years in their attempts to reach a divisional final and they did so by overcoming Dromtariffe. And when the sides clashed again in the 2006 decider, Cullen confirmed their upperhand to regain the silverware before overcoming Boherbue in a replay two years later.
When Cullen and Knocknagree clashed in the opening round to the 2016 campaign, Cullen grinded out a narrow two point win on understrength opponents. Much the sharper side, Cullen got the job done in convincing fashion and availed of a vibrant opening quarter to lay the foundation for success over their neighbours.
A wait saw Cullen better Castlemagner in a disappointing semi final, a dour battle surfaced, Cullen’s character and resilience the hallmarks to triumph. At key stages, Cullen emerged the more probable winners, none more so than directly after the break on extending a five point lead to eight before surviving a late Castlemagner onslaught.
Solid goalkeeper Billy O’Connor will be fronted by James O’Sullivan, team captain Daire Twomey, Mike Fleming, Dermot and Denis Hickey though the highly promising Paul Fleming maybe unavailable.
At midfield, Sean Fleming is likely to team up with Pat O’Sullivan and in attack, Colin Moynhan and Alan Regan will be required to supply Jerry O’Connor, Aaron Nolan and Tomas O’Keeffe for scores.
Knocknagree landed their first Duhallow title in 1966 on overcoming Castlemagner by a single point after a replay. Subsequently, Knocknagree enjoyed productive wins during the 1980s, their 10th title recorded in 1991 when they took county honours and last season, Knocknagree ended 24 years of frustration to regain the silverware for the 11th occasion after a replay against Lyre.
From landing that title, long term injuries upset Knocknagree rhyme but key men absent from their opening round loss to Cullen are back in action. Indeed Knocknagree reacted positively on firing out an emphatic warning to rivals following a resounding triumph over Kilbrin.
Much closer in a quarter-final, Knocknagree required to pull out all the stops to overcome Boherbue. Showing terrific resolve, the defending champions provided a rescue to take a lead against the run of play in the opening half and maintained their supremacy as the game progressed.
Into a semi final, three unanswered points during the closing quarter emerged the key scores to overcome a battling Lyre. With the game up for grabs, Knocknagree’s slicker movement going forward proved the ultimate difference between the sides.
Net minder Patrick Doyle is one of the most dependable in the business with Garry O’Connor, Jerry Carroll, Chris O’Leary and Kealan Buckley cornerstones in defence. Elsewhere, consistent team captain Danny Cooper will be joined by Donough Moynihan at midfield. And there is much to admire in attack, Anthony O’Connor and Matthew Dilworth are proven finishers, well supported by J F Daly and Eoghan McSweeney.
Rest assured both Cullen and Knocknagree will strive might and main, strong cases can be put forward for either side in a novel decider with the battle of the neighbours adding to the intensity. Given indifferent performances in their respective semi finals, both sides are capable of improvements and consistency yet by virtue of wearing the defending holders status, Knocknagree are entitled to carry the favourites tag.