Cloughduv can lay claim to final berth in tricky trip to Tipp
Cloughduv v Boherlahan-Dualla (Tipperary) Saturday, November 17 Boherlahan, 1.30pm
CLOUGHDUV stand just one step away from a Munster Final appearance with Tipperary’s Boherlahan-Dualla the last side standing in their way of a place in the Munster Club Junior Hurling Final scheduled for Mallow in early December.
The Cork county champions have been hugely impressive this season securing their first junior county title in almost 50 years, 1970 to be precise, and now look to add to their silverware with a good run in the provincial tournament.
Cloughduv saw off Russell Rovers to take the county title in recent weeks and now turn their attentions to the Premier County’s top junior hurling side clear in the knowledge that the test that awaits will be tougher than any test faced so far this season.
Players of the quality of the Verling brothers (Mark and Brian) will have a huge impact on what happens for Cloughduv this weekend as both have the ability to turn the game in favour of the Cork side.
James Moynihan, Joe Ryan, Donal Corkery and Andrew Cronin are a quartet that will also have a major say in what happens against a Tipp side that will have the benefit of home advantage this weekend.
At the back Jonathan Buckley, Aodh Twomey, Brian Ahern, Patrick Buckley, Ger Ahern, Dave O’Leary and Eoghan Clifford will have their work cut out for them to stop a front six that have plenty prowess with the posts in their sights.
Cloughduv have battled hard over the years to get themselves into a position where they can compete at this level of competition and while Cork sides have been successful at this grade over the years the Rebel county have no God given right to the provincial crown and will have to work hard to collect yet another title.
As with all teams these days the benches will have a major say this weekend with players like Kevin Barry Murphy, Denis O’Sullivan and Seán Curzon three of many that can play a part coming on in the second half if there isn’t a place for them in the starting 15.
For the home side Tossy Ryan will likely be the main talisman after showing well all season from both play and placed efforts.
Fionn MacCullagh, John Geehan, James O’Sullivan and Darragh Hickey will also have big influences into what happens with O’Sullivan in particular showing he has a good eye for goal, when and if, the opportunity arises.
At the back, keeper Joe Ryan will need to be massive as will captain and full back Johnny Maher along with Darragh Devane and Cathal Darcy, who despite playing at wing back is well capable of throwing in a point or two on the day.
A difficult one to call, but it’s hard to look past Coughduv making this one of the greatest seasons in their long history by booking their place in the showpiece game.
Verdict: Cloughduv