Goulding can inspire Éire Óg to a famous win over Fermoy

where they were a little unlucky to succumb narrowly to eventual champions Carrigaline after a replay.

That was their only loss in fourteen championship outings since 2014, although they were put to the pin of their collar to prevail in a quarter final replay against Bantry Blues last weekend.

They needed a last-gasp goal from Daniel Goulding to force extra-time, and Goulding’s input overall was instrumental in paving the way for Eire Og’s 1-16 to 1-15 triumph, as he finished with a personal tally of 1-12, 1-7 from play.

They were decisive victors over Nemo Rangers and St Michael’s in their opening two games, however, and, in the final analysis, they have justified their rating as ante-post favourites up to now, with Dermot Herlihy, Kevin Hallissey, Ronan O’Toole, Alan O’Mahony and John Mullins, along with prolific marksman Goulding, doing much to ensure they are still standing.

It would be fair to say that Fermoy have matured quite a bit since they came up short against Éire Óg in 2014.

And – while they’ll be without Martin Brennan, who scored 1-2 before being red-carded late on in the quarter final – it would be no surprise should they manage to turn the tables, especially if the likes of Padraig De Roiste, Tomas Clancy, Ruairi O’Hagan, Jeff Daly, Shane Aherne and Ronan O’Callaghan reproduce the form they displayed against Naomh Aban.

Verdict: Éire Óg