Duhallow face Newcestown for final spot
Duhallow v Newcestown
DUHALLOW attempt to reach a county SFC decider for the second consecutive season having endured a marathon three game saga against Castlehaven at the same stage last autumn. Indeed, the divisional side were made to work for the right to reach the top table on county final day from one of those engrossing battles that could had gone either way.
By the end of close to four hours of football, a well driven Duhallow quelled the tenacity and never say die spirit of the ‘Haven. Another West Cork side Newcestown will bring the same attributes on Sunday and Duhallow need to be fully focused to task on hand.
From their previous championship meeting four years ago, the teams were deadlocked on seven occasions only for Duhallow to finish with a flourish. Current Duhallow manager Padrig Kearns was part of the management team headed by Ned English.
“That game was nip and tuck all through, we were put to the pin of our collar to survive. Just look at their recent results confirms their well being,” said Kearns.
It’s a much changed Duhallow side from 2015, just four players that started against Clonakilty two weeks ago faced the throw in with Newcestown back in the summer of 2015.
“Everybody would love to reach a final but standing in our way are Newcestown, if we don’t over them, its goodbye to the championship. Newcestown are a strong traditional side and we will give them the highest respect, they will be well prepared,” says Kearns.
Indeed its fair to say, Newcestown have become the story of this championship. Defeated by Clonakilty in the opening round, they bounced back to get the better of Valley Rovers, Mallow and Ilen Rovers.
Their tenacity levels surfaced on holding fellow West Cork side Illen Rovers scoreless in the second half. Newcestown can parade a solid line up with Michael McSweeney and Cork hurler Luke Meade operating in defence
Elsewhere Fionn Keane and Seán O’Donovan can work effectively at midfield as can David Buckley, Cathrach Keane and Daniel Twomey up front.
So far, so good for Duhallow, wins over Imokilly and CIT secured a passage from the Divisional/ Colleges section. And Duhallow showed no ill effects of a long lay off from their previous assignment back in March to overcome Carrigaline in Round 3.
Next up Clonakilty where Duhallow laid the foundation of their success in the opening half, utilising the elements to drive at Clon with real intent. Team captain Lorcan O’Neill led by example, well supported by Kevin Crowley, Bart Daly and John McLoughlin.
Elsewhere Paul and Aidan Walsh exerted a considerable influence at midfield while long serving Donncha O’Connor roamed in search of work with the O’Connor brothers, Anthony and Fintan contributing generously to the cause. Of course, since that outing, the majority of the players returned to their clubs for a run of championship games.
Traditionally, Newcestown never lie down and it will take a consistent hour’s football from Duhallow to get over this assignment. The Duhallow management will keep a close eye on Kanturk’s involvement in the Co. Premier IFC on Friday with fingers crossed of no injuries.
Not the best scenario for players to be facing two big semi finals in three days yet Duhallow will enter the fray as favourites, capable of justifying their rating yet it could be a closely run encounter.
Verdict: Duhallow