Little expected to seperate Charleville from Duarigle Gaels

Charleville v Duarigle Gaels

A LONG journey for both sides is almost complete with silverware on offer for what’s expected to be a competitive battle. No surprise, Charleville enter the fray in a positive frame of mind, a brilliant season gained many rewards including a County Premier IHC title. Indeed that hurling side are pretty versatile for the majority of the team were part of a historic breakthrough to regain a hold of the Avondhu JAFC title when defeating reigning holders Buttevant.

And earlier in the season, Charleville accounted for Clyda Rovers to land the North Cork U-21 ‘B’ FC. Subsequently, up to 12 players from the U21 side contributed to Charleville ‘s divisional Junior A Football triumph.

A bye allowed Charleville into a county U21 B semi final to overcome Midleton by a seven point margin earlier this week. After a few hectic few weeks in hurling, its evident Charleville have great belief in themselves.

Teamwise Jack Meade and Finbarr Cagney are solid anchors in defence, Jack Doyle and Jack Barry may be in line for places at midfield with Jack Callaghan, James Kennedy, Darren Butler and All Star Hurler Darragh Fitzgibbon capable of creating an impact up front.

Duarigle Gaels wrote a new name onto the Duhallow roll of honour after overcoming Boherbue in a thrilling decider. The Millstreet and Cullen combination were forced to dig deep, raising their performance level considerably after a sluggish opening 20 minutes to come home six point winners.

Onto the county, Duarigle fended away a stern test from Na Piarsaigh and a key burst of energy bettered O’Donovan Rossa to a gripping semi final that required extra time to determine the outcome.

Crucially Duarigle rose their efficiency levels to heights the West Cork outfit failed to reach with Shane Hickey and Darren Kiely strong in defence. At midfield Patrick Dineen and Colin Walsh created an impression as did Michael Twomey, Padraig Moynihan and Neil Flahive in attack.

This game certainly has the potential to be a cracker between Avondhu and Muserry sides, weather conditions may impact. It won’t be a surprise either way to whatever side might emerge but a narrow vote goes to Duarigle Gaels to shade a very close encounter.

Verdict: Duarigle Gaels