County finalists back in action against Imokilly
Duhallow v Imokilly
DUHALLOW return to the County senior football championship on a Round 1 engagement against Imokilly at Páirc Uí Rinn on Bank Holiday Monday. That comes after a roller coaster campaign last season to progress to a county final and ultimate defeat to St Finbarrs.
Wins over Seandún and UCC in the divisional / college section earned progress to the 2018 championship proper. After a six month wait, that had predictable consequences with rusty performances, Duhallow enjoyed satisfying wins over St Nicks and Valley Rovers.
Their three game instalment against Castlehaven in the semi-final won rave reviews.
Still St Finbarrs were seen as formidable opponents, on the basis of being in the final the previous season, it stood to the city side to emerge best to bridge a 33 year gap.
It’s back to business for Duhallow, no change in team management, manager Pádraig Kearns again joined by James Condon (Glanworth), Frank Flannery (Carrigtwohill), Kieran Fitzgerald (Kanturk) and Dermot Hickey (Rockchapel).
Preparations have been confined to training owing to the weather, the starting Duhallow side is unclear but 2018 newcomers Pa Doyle, Gary O’Connor, Eoin McSweeney, Fintan O’Connor and Paul Walsh are involved with Newmarket pair Conor and Darren O’Keeffe new additions.
From the county final starting side, Michael Vaughan has emigrated, Jerry O’Connor is injured and Aidan Walsh has been concentrating on hurling.
Elsewhere, Lorcan O’Neill captains the side while Bart Daly, John McLoughlin, Donncha O’Connor, Lorcán McLoughlin and Seamus Hickey bring experience to the table.
For their part, Imokilly will be hugely boosted by players from regraded Premier Intermediate side Aghada in addition to an input from Glenville, Youghal, Glanmire and a number of Junior A clubs.
Word is Imokilly have been involved in a number of workouts over recent weeks and they are capable of testing last season’s runners up.
It’s all about winning and if Duhallow can make the most to any spells of dominance that arise, they are capable of progressing to an inviting second round clash against CIT or Carbery.