Spirits of GAA stalwarts of the past will be looking down on Croke Park

THE hallowed turf of Croke Park beckons for the Kanturk Intermediate hurlers after they overcame the challenge of Middletown Na Fianna (Armagh) in the All-Ireland semi-final at Newbridge on Saturday last 27th January on a 3-13 to 0-12 score line.

Once Kanturk goaled in the opening minute the game was never in doubt and six days after the original tie was meant to be decided, a place in the All Ireland final was confirmed.

As the hoards from Kanturk make the trek to Croke Park, how the spirits of those who toiled for Kanturk over the years will look down from on high on the current team and management. To mention a few, the late Frank Healy, Jim Manley, Andy Kenneally, Johnny Mahony and the recently deceased Michael O’Brien RIP will be willing Kanturk to victory from above and be very proud of the achievements of our teams in recent months.

There are many, many more who did their bit in furthering the name of Kanturk GAA in the past, who are no longer with us, and who will be willing our heroes to victory on Sunday. Without their contributions in the recent and far distant past history of Kanturk GAA, the club would not be here now.

The Intermediate hurling final throws in at 3.45pm and brings Kanturk face to face with Ballyragget of Kilkenny. Since Kanturk were crowned Cork champions the bookies have held the Kilkenny and Leinster champions as favourites to take the All-Ireland crown.

Having won the Junior title in 2012, the Kilkenny side have lost numerous county Intermediate finals, eventually taking this past year’s crown.

Kanturk know they have a battle on their hands if All Ireland hurling glory is to be attained and will be focused on the job at hand, and aim to end this current chapter of with an elusive All Ireland medal before turning the thoughts to Senior hurling in the coming season.

The best of luck from all in Kanturk GAA to the Kanturk team and management.