Duhallow have the goods to edge out the ‘Barrs

Duhallow v St. Finbarrs

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Pairc Ui Chaoimh 3.30pm Referee: D Murnane (Macroom) THE showpiece of Cork football brings together Duhallow and St. Finbarrs for the fourth occasion and it promises to offer a tasty affair.

Both sides are here on merit and it provides an opportunity for a new wave of players to prove their credentials and erase some frustrating days for both Barrs and Duhallow .

Holders of eight titles, the Barrs defeated Duhallow in the 1982 decider thanks to a Jimmy Barry Murphy goal, they advanced to collect a Munster title. Amazingly, they added just one more county in 1985, progressing to land an All Ireland title from Clann na nGael of Roscommon,

For more than 30 years, its been a barren spell for the Togher based club, on the wrong side of defeats including back to back losses to Duhallow in 1990/91.

Of course with the demise of the ‘Barrs in terms of football success, its been a different story for their city neighbours Nemo Rangers, time and again, dominating the Cork championship over the past three decades.

From 2018, a mundane Cork championship erupted when a lethargic Nemo were ambushed by a fired up Castlehaven. With the exit of the reigning holders, that unearthed a new level of interest, all remaining parties harboured optimistic hopes of success.

At the outset of the campaign, St. Finbarrs would had been touted as one of the leading contenders to dethrone Nemo. That followed two cracking games between the pair last season, the final went to a replay, high scoring and fiercely contested, the ‘Barrs were devastated to lose.

Obviously, the Barrs are on a mission here, so far, so good, looking the part to overcome Carrigaline first time out and impressing at the hand of Mallow and neighbours Douglas with electric starts in all games.

Quite the opposite in the semi final against Carbery Rangers, operating second best in the opening half, the Barrs reacted to a precarious situation. Key to the change of fortunes saw Cork captain Ian Maguire and partner Eoin Comyns power into the game at midfield with Sam Ryan and the experienced Michael Shields contributing positively as did attacker Stephen Sherlock with a 0-10 tally.

It’s fair to say, Duhallow’s consistency during the 1980s that included great duels with Castlehaven, Nemo Rangers and St. Finbarrs bore fruitition with the outright wins from 1990/1991. They came close in subsequent years though losses were incurred in finals to Bantry Blues and Castlehaven.

Remaining one of the more prominent divisions, players operating with club and division over successive days is not ideal in the past, evident from an 11-point semi final defeat to Nemo last season.

Still fortunes favour the brave, wins over Seandún and UCC in the divisional/college section earned progress to the current championship proper. From a six month wait, that had predictable consequences on rusty performances though satisfying wins over St. Nicks and Valley Rovers.

Their three game instalment against Castlehaven is well versed , those games sure to bring on Duhallow leaps and bounds. Many of the Duhallow players have tasted All Ireland club honours with Kanturk and Knocknagree earlier in the season with big performances required by the McLoughlin brothers, Kevin Crowley, Aidan Walsh, Donncha O’Connor, Seamus Hickey and Jerry O’Connor.

On the basis of being in the final last season, many neutrals are tending to back St. Finbarrs and with Kerryman Ray Keane at the helm, they will be well primed, determined not to experience the same outcome as to last season.

However, there is pedigree in Duhalow, the impact of tough championship games that included extra time may create an impact. It may well be positive for those competitive tussles have brought on Duhallow leaps and bounds.

Ultimately Duhallow hold strong potential and the experience to upset the odds and return the Andy Scannell Cup to the North West barony.

Verdict: Duhallow