Duhallow must defeat up and coming ‘Clon

DUHALLOW face a stiff test of their credentials against traditionally strong Clonakilty for the right to secure a place in a semi-final against Newcestown. It’s been a hectic spell for a number of Duhallow players given their involvement with clubs in county championship over recent weeks.

That’s par for the course in the past few years, Dishallow holding their own against some of the best, their 2018 campaign caught the imagination only to falter to St Finbarrs in the decider. Sure, there will be an ambition to go the extra step yet they will be wary of a Clon side laden down with exciting inter-county players.

Duhallow began the current County SFC on a winning note following a comprehensive victory over Imokilly in the opening round to the Divisional/Colleges section.

Showing no effects from a brave effort that came up just short to St Finbarrs, Duhallow operated with 10 members of that starting line up, and there was no denying the style as well as the substance to an impressive showing.

A much improved second half performance helped Duhallow overhaul the intentions of Cork IT in a keenly contested Round 2 on a return to Páirc Uí Rinn.

The divisional men won and they did so with a powerfully structured display which proved too good for energetic opponents with Donncha O’Connor’s freetaking impeccable and Eoghan McSweeney weighing in with an inspirational 0-6 from play.

Duhallow showed no ill effects of a further long lay off from their previous assignment back in March to overcome Carrigaline in Round 3 last month. A mixture of excellent Duhallow play and sluggish fare served up by a disappointing opposition swung the balance decidedly in favour of the divisional men.

For whatever reason, Carrigaline having won a Round 2 game against Bishopstown seven days previously operated with a nervousness and a lack of precision that made it relatively easy for Duhallow that won favour from manager Pádraig Kearns.

“When we came out we were worried about Carrigaline, we gave them respect, the respect they deserved because they beat Bishopstown. The conditions didn’t suit either side, we set the tone in the first half against that wind, a win is a win, not getting too carried away about it for its all about the next game against Clonakilty,” he said.

Exactly 10 years ago, Clonakilty bettered Duhallow at this stage and progressed to overcome St Finbarrs in the county