Kanturk capable of withstanding St. Michaels challenge

Kanturk v St Michaels

BY virtue of an impressive quarter final win, Kanturk have once again shown of a team not to be taken lightly as they attempt to repeat the trick against St. Michaels. Indeed Kanturk’s victory over Cill na Martra helped serve notice of their intentions as they made light of the inclement weather conditions much to the delight of team manager Jerome Walsh,

“After eight weeks of hurling, we had three weeks to prepare for Cill na Martra, the boys seemed refreshed and getting better. Still there was plenty to work on and obtain that extra bit of sharpness ahead of the next task,” he said.

The County Premier IFC is richly competitive, Kanturk, St. Michaels, Éire Og and Bantry Blues in the hunt for the title race.

“We’re delighted to reach a County Premier IFC semi-final for the first time, many of the players have done so at hurling and everybody is looking forward to the test that a strong St. Michaels will bring to the table. There is huge experience throughout the team, that does stand in tight games, we’re comfortable on the ball and play the correct option,” said the manager.

An all round Kanturk team performance surfaced against a fancied Cill na Martra, underlined by a remarkable work ethic in wretched weather conditions allowed Kanturk enjoy the upperhand. Their class surfaced from the tidying instincts of John McLoughlin, Loran O’Neill and Lorcán McLoughlin in defence with Aidan and Paul Walsh in control at midfield.

A goal from Aidan Walsh helped divide the teams at the break only for Kanturk to ratchet up the intensity and two goals in as many minutes from county u20 player Daniel O’Connell and Ian Walsh confirmed a powerful display and a repeat showing here would put Kanturk in a strong position to reach a final.

That said St. Michaels present formidable opposition, attempting to reach a final yet again after incurring three defeats in deciders over recent years to Fermoy, Mallow and Carrigaline.

Those three defeats in four seasons cut deeply and in fairness, St. Michaels have re-grouped as they rain in on another appearance in a decider.

Having accounted for Macroom earlier in the campaign, St Michael’s endured a stiff quarter-final test from city rivals Na Piarsaigh where it took an all important goal from Domhnall Cremin to secure a narrow victory. The concession of goals had Michaels on the backfoot for a stage only for Tadhg Deasy and Keith Hegarty points ensured a keen battle for supremacy.

Not the most impressive of St Michael’s outings yet Cremin’s strike earned their ticket to a familiar stage. Having endured so much disappointment in recent times, a team with lesser character and determination might well had thrown in the towel.

Not so St. Michael’s, they won’t be beaten too easily and are well versed on what’s required to complete the journey. On paper, Kanturk possess a steadiness about them and they are capable of progressing to the decider.

Verdict: Kanturk