Dromtariffe and Kilbrin bid for premier hurling prize

E TARRANT SKODA DEALER JAHC FINAL

Dromtariffe v Newmarket

Saturday, September 26 Kanturk at 5pm

Referee: Eoin Walsh (Freemount)

ALL the ingredients are in place for a cracking showdown between Kilbrin and Dromtariffe in their first time clash in a showpiece divisional decider.

In the height of pandemic times, both Dromtariffe and Kilbrin are certain to lift the spirits of their respective communities in their search of the John Joe Brosnan Memorial Cup. This is the 88th divisional final where down through the years great rivalries developed and new pairings created such as Saturday’s tussle.

Of course, Dromtariffe are relative newcomers, contesting their initial final in 2018, they added a new name to the roll of honour when overcoming Newmarket. The latter made amends last season to better Kilbrin so the omens for the men in blue and white appear to be positive.

Dromtariffe’s appearance in their second final in three seasons is just reward for the impressive work invested in the promotion of hurling over the last decade. The club has enjoyed outstanding success at under-age level and elevating from Junior B ranks, they have made a significant impression.

From the current campaign, Dromtariffe encountered few problems with a convincing win over Millstreet, At their best, Dromtariffe demonstrated a high level of fitness, terrific appetite and an impressive work-rate to amass a 0-26 tally.

Next time out, Dromtariffe closed the door on Newmarket’s dominance to send the reigning holders packing. A massive haul of 0-17 from sharpshooter Tomás Howard kept Dromtariffe on a steady course and a return to their second decider, clearly the men in red and white wanted victory more on this occasion, operating with a sharpness that Newmarket failed to match.

The Dromtariffe line up sees Dermot Cremin between the posts, in defence, Darren O’Connor, Jack Murphy, Conor O’Callaghan and Mikie O’Gorman rarely put a foot astray in defence with Seán Howard and Kevin Cremin expected to line up at midfield.

In attack, main talisman Tomás Howard can expect support from Brandon Murphy, Evan Murphy and Mark O’Connor.

Opponents Kilbrin took their initial championship title in 1978 on accounting for Tullylease, a number of meetings with Banteer followed, Kilbrin emerging best in 1989, 1992 and 1999. Subsequently, Kilbrin followed up to better Millstreet (2004), Tullylease (2007/13) Freemount(11) and Banteer (2012/14/16) to complete a tally of eleven outright titles though Kilbrin encountered defeat to Banteer and Newmarket in the divisional finals of 2017/19.

So far so good in their 2020 run, Kilbrin made it one way traffic on a five star show and a decisive victory over Castlemagner. From start to finish, last season’s runners up controlled the game and never relented in their search of scores over the full hour that yielded a five goal tally.

Subsequently Kilbrin were forced to pull out all the stops to see off the challenge of Kanturk, no disputing that Kilbrin deserved to take the honours, primary because they held more to offer in the key departments.

A late scoring flourish did enough for Kilbrin to see off the stubborn challenge of Banteer in the concluding group contest. Enjoying their third consecutive victory secured a passage to the divisional final, Kilbrin held their composure during the latter stages to shoot a run of points to shade a hotly competitive encounter.

The Kilbrin line up features dependable ‘keeper Eamon O’Riordan, defensively, Michael Buckley, Mark Field, Gareth Linehan and Darren Daly can establish a firm foothold while David O’Sullivan and William Heffernan may link up at midfield. And upfront, players of the calibre of Daniel O’Sullivan, Eoin Sheahan, Shane Crowley and Stephen O’Reilly can stretch the best of opposing rearguards.

Kilbrin don’t need reminding of losing their past two deciders, that’s sure to rouse a massive effort. Given a short season owing to the pandemic, both Dromtariffe and Kilbrin have done everything asked of them under the guidance of two strong management teams.

And with excellent hurling structures in place, a championship title would fit nicely in a cabinet in either club. Kilbrin took five titles from the past decade yet they endured disappointment in more recent times and will be keen to return to past glory days.

However there is no disputing that Dromtariffe have been more impressive in their outings and the triumphant side of 2018 will bring experience to the table. It all makes for a fascinating encounter and when its all done and dusted, Dromtariffe might be ahead by a score or two.