WHEN? Tomorrow, 2pm
WHERE? O’Moore Park, Portlaoise
WHO? Munster champions Thurles Sarsfields from Tipperary and Leinster champions Kilcormac-Killoughey from Offaly.
So how have Thurles Sarsfields reached this juncture?
In impressive style. They journeyed to Limerick and thieved the spoils from Kilmallock in their Munster opener. Then they clipped the wings of Cork champions Sarsfields and their Waterford counterparts De La Salle in two cracking encounters. And with that they had claimed their inaugural provincial senior hurling title.
And don’t they have a litany of inter-county stars to call upon?
Well the quartet of Lar Corbett, Padraic Maher, Michael Cahill and Pa Bourke don’t need much introduction and are household names at this stage. But the experienced Johnny Enright and the young trio of Stephen Maher, Denis Maher and Aidan McCormack have amassed enough big-game experience in the inter-county arena as well.
Right this game is a done deal then?
Certainly not. Kilcormac-Killoughey have enjoyed upstaging teams throughout their run to county honours in Offaly and provincial honours in Leinster. They have shown a scant disregard for lofty reputations and upset the form book with their Leinster success against Wexford’s Oulart-The-Ballagh.
They must have a few handy hurlers then?
Ciaran Slevin, Ger Healion, Conor Mahon, Daniel Currams and James Gorman ensure they will pack a strong punch tomorrow in Portlaoise.
Is there going be another surprise Offaly presence in the All-Ireland decider after Coolderry last year?
Managed by former county legend Danny Owens, Kilcormac-Killoughey could well spring another surprise here. But Thurles Sarsfields have acquired plenty experience after a series of heartaches. If they can replicate their form in Munster, then a first ever appearance in an All-Ireland club final can be theirs.
The St Thomas team celebrating last year’s Galway county final success. Pic: INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy
WHEN? Tomorrow, 4pm
WHERE? Parnell Park, Dublin
WHO? Galway champions St Thomas and Ulster champions Loughgiel Shamrocks.
There’s a strong family link in the St Thomas side isn’t there?
You could say that alright. There were six Burke brothers on the pitch by the final whistle – Kenneth (28), Sean (25), David (22), Cathal (20), Darragh (19) and Eanna (17) – of their Galway county final win with their father John at the helm as team manager.
Other families pitched in as well in the shape of the two Cooney’s, Conor and Shane, two Skehill’s, Patrick and Sean, and two Murray’s, Richie and Robert.
And plenty of those are the lynchpins of this side?
Indeed they are. Richie Murray shot a hat-trick in that famous county final success against Loughrea while David and Darragh Burke, James Regan and Conor Cooney were all part of the Galway squad that reached last September’s All-Ireland final.
Should we be thinking that a Galway against Antrim hurling clash will follow familiar lines?
Not so fast. Remember that this Loughgiel Shamrocks side are the reigning All-Ireland club champions. They deserve respect for their achievement in winning last St Patrick’s Day and will be eager to cement their reputation this year.
Don’t they have a key man up front to watch out for?
They certainly do. Liam Watson racked up 3-7 in a stellar display for Loughgiel Shamrocks in last year’s All-Ireland club final and has consistently proved his abilities as an attacking wizard at both club and county level.
All to play for then in Parnell?
It’s an extremely difficult game to predict and is likely to be a really tight contest. But St Thomas may just have the wherewithal to prevail.
