Saturday, August 28, 2010
IT’S a final. However, it’s not one either club is accustomed to, or one they crave to be involved in.
Blackrock’s rich history has been crammed with appearances in finals at club, provincial and national level. For Blarney, it’s only 19 months since they claimed All-Ireland intermediate hurling honours against Galway side Cappataggle in Croke Park.
Tomorrow afternoon in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the pair square off in a final of a different kind, as they battle to preserve their senior hurling status. It is a game that brings enormous pressures for both clubs.
"It’s massive as it’s going to determine our future," says Blarney boss Tadhg Hurley. "We’re going into the match against a club of great tradition. It’s the most important match since we played in the All-Ireland final last year. We set out our stall to try to retain our status this year. That was the number one priority. We had chances to do that in round 1 and round 3, but didn’t take them. It’s a different pressure than trying to win a championship. You feel as if you’re hurling in a straitjacket and players are terrified to make a mistake. It’s not a nice place to be."
"Nobody wants to be in this situation," remarks Blackrock manager Ger Murphy. "When you’re involved with Blackrock, you’re expected to be challenging for county championships. The club is in a bit of a turnaround at the moment, and it’s vital for us to stay up. Hopefully within the next year or two, we can be back competing."
A potential subplot of great intrigue has been removed from this game by the decision of Blackrock legend Timmy Murphy to opt out of the Blarney coaching set-up for the game.
"We spoke about it earlier on in the campaign," says Hurley. "We had the exit strategy for him. We wouldn’t expect anything else as he has given his life to Blackrock. He was under huge pressure and we fully understand it. One of our selectors last year Fintan Coleman, who is involved with Cork intermediate team, has returned to give us support for this game. I don’t think people realise the transformation in the team since last year with five changes in personnel on the team. If we could hang in there this year, I feel a new generation of Blarney players would then start coming through."
For Blackrock manager Murphy, the experience of the likes of Fergal Ryan, Alan Browne and Wayne Sherlock is invaluable in focusing minds for this clash.
"Their experience is vital in the dressing room. We’re trying to keep the players relaxed and keep their
focus on the game without added pressure of last year. Our minors from the last few years are good players but it takes a few years to bed them in.
"We improved the last day against Cloyne on the previous two games and hopefully can improve again."
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