This Sunday’s intermediate and junior finals should make for an intriguing and interesting day of hurling.
Unlike the senior final, where the mighty Shamrocks look as though they will retain their title, it is possible that any one of these finalists will take home a trophy.
The junior championship this year has come on in leaps and bounds. Certainly the standard of hurling was raised so that now junior matches are great displays of skill and dedication. A general public interest in the championship has most definitely been generated further.
In light of this, the finalists John Locke’s and the Blacks and Whites both deserve their place in the final.
The intermediate final sees Dicksboro meet St Lachtains in what should prove to be a very close and interesting game for all involved.
John Lockes are now a steady force after improving both their style and skill over the last few years. Having come into their own, they will really put it up to the Blacks and Whites on Sunday.
Their defeat over Ballyragget showed their sheer will to push forward in this championship. The team has a great mixture of youth and experience which is really starting to blend.
The Blacks and Whites were favourites against Bennettsbridge in the semi final and deserved their win. Tommy Farrell stood out on the day with three goals under his belt and Michael Moloney gave an exceptional performance. The team is fortunate enough to have a lot of strong wilful players which really stands to a side in a junior final.
This may stand to them this Sunday as they are up against a much younger side. However the Lockes’ have great speed and some very skilful players such as Jason Corcoran, who has played out of his skin all year.
This game is very hard to predict, but John Lockes have proven their worth in this championship and I feel they will take home the silverware this year.
Meanwhile, the intermediate final is very well matched and I feel the result will be as close as it can get. Both teams have some very talented hurlers and both are hungry for the title.
Dicksboro have had some battles and have time and time again proved they are a team to be reckoned with. A great defensive side, they also have strong players up front. Eddie O’Donoghue has to be mentioned for his hurling ability and strength in the forward line, especially after his performance in the semi-final.
St Lachtains, however, can never be ruled out, and have great players who can score from every angle of the field.
Again, this is hard to predict but Dicksboro are looking sharp and I feel they have the edge to take home the prize.
Sunday’s finals will be a feast of hurling, with what I believe will be very close and intense games.
