Eager Duhallow are ready to come of age

TWO weeks ago, Duhallow minor hurlers’ ambitions crumbled at the hands of Sarsfields in the county final.

Ordinarily, the division’s hurling days in the county spotlight are a scarce commodity, yet their rising rating ensures a second Cork County final appearance at Páirc Uí Rinn tonight.

They square off against Glen Rovers in the county U-21 decider and it’s a shot at redemption, not alone for the entire camán community in division, but for the six players who feature on both teams. Banteer’s Jim Murphy serves as the U-21 boss and insists his players had no problems in focusing their minds after the minor loss.

“We’re definitely back on track now. The minors were not as bad a side as they looked in the county final. They left themselves down that night, but they’re experienced lads and they know that. We know the talent of these guys and we wouldn’t be worried about their minds ahead of the U-21 final. Everyone is looking forward to it.”

Duhallow’s journey to this point has not been extensive, yet the manner of their victories over Mallow and Newcestown has nourished confidence levels.

“We’re after two good games now. In the Mallow match we’d an excellent win and then in Newcestown the early goals helped us. By half-time it was finished as a contest.”

In Cork hurling’s hierarchical structure, Duhallow have traditionally ranked low. Yet Murphy is adamant that the level of talent always existed in the division. The trick was providing enough backbone support to let it flourish.

“I always felt the hurlers were always there, despite it being a football division. The problem was there was no recognition from the board. Last year the management team was only appointed the week of the quarter-final against Bishopstown. How can you expect a team to be successful like that?

“As it was, we only lost that match by six points and Bishopstown went on to win the county. This year matters have improved a lot. We met as a management team in late July and started from there. The response from the players has been excellent. We train in Mallow which is a big help as they’ve a superb facility. The lads are used to hurling under floodlights and there’ll be no problems for them in Páirc Uí Rinn.”

Their opponents Glen Rovers are backed with a heritage that is far richer than Duhallow’s. The last time the teams clashed in a county final, Glen Rovers were victorious in the 2002 minor decider. The current Glen U-21 outfit are a potent bunch and have emerged from a tough series of games in recent weeks

“They have the advantage in games played,” agrees Murphy. “They’re going to be very tough, having beaten Na Piarsaigh, Bishopstown, Sarsfields and Blarney. They’re all good teams and the Glen are a physical side. The threat of Horgan and Dorris in attack is also huge. They’re serious favourites with the bookmakers for this game.”

Yet Murphy’s opinion on Glen Rovers belies the fierce determination on Duhallow’s part to achieve success. They are striving to bridge a gap since 1982 when they last lifted county U-21 honours, the link being provided with Tom Walsh being captain in 1982, while his son Aidan is one of the stars of the current outfit.

“Everyone is looking forward to this clash,” states Murphy. “We’re out on the county stage and it’s a chance for our lads to show what they can do. The likes of Aidan Walsh, Lorcan McLoughlin and William Egan can prove why they’ve played county.

“People can see what we’re capable of and it’s a big occasion.”