Battle of the Towns as both sides go all out for first Premier minor title

UP in Newtownshandrum Bernie O’Connor and his lads are manufacturing real quality hurleys.

And in that neck of the woods they sure know how to use them.

A senior hurling championship trophy already nestling in the cabinet, it’s now the turn of the youngsters to go for glory in this hurling mad village. They take on Bishopstown in the Cork County Premier MHC final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh today (3.15pm) with both sides looking for an historic first title.

With two excellent teams competing, most of them under age again next season, and some superb hurlers on show, it has all the ingredients for a tasty recipe and on the big park stage supporters are sure to be in for a treat.

Newtown have had a far from smooth ride to the final. They lost in the opening round to Ballycoscry Rovers, but took full advantage of the ‘backdoor’ system.

They subsequently followed with fine wins over Inniscarra, Erins Own and Midleton to qualify for the country section final, with James Bowles giving a powerful performance as they mastered their first round conquerors.

Pat Mulcahy and his co-selectors, brother Donal and Gary Morrissey have instilled a great sense of pride in the team. It was teamwork that put paid to a fancied Ballycoscry side, with Sean O’Riordan, Fred Young, Shane Moran, Diarmuid Lane as well as Gerry and Willie O’Mahony giving sound shows as Bowles stole the show.

Bishopstown have really been impressive to date and under the watchful eye of tremendous clubman Brian Cuthbert and fellow selectors Padraig O’Donoghue and Don Murphy, they have been steadily improving.

With terrific wins over Na Piarsaigh and Glen Rovers under their belts, the City champions have strength in depth, with real class down the spine of the team.

No question Shane O’Neill, Ronan Conway and Terence O’Donoghue are their big players but the likes of Evan Ryan, Dermot Collins, David Kennedy, Niall Fehely, Brian Nunan and Eoin Joyce have all played their part and won’t be found wanting.

These two sides last met in a championship encounter two years ago when Newtown were victorious in a county U-16 A semi-final.

A lot of blood had flowed through the veins of these youngsters over the last two years though. Stronger and more skilful now, more recently Bishopstown, out the county in the league for the first time, have mastered their opponents.

It’s all a question of who produces the goods on the day and with Shane O’Neill likely to be ordered to keep a tight grip on the powerful Bowles, the clash between these two lads could well be a crucial factor. Watch out too for the exciting Patrick Cronin, just back after injury.

All to play for then and for the winners a rich reward.

The game will be preceded by the Co MAHC semi-final replay between Ballincollig and Killeagh\St Ita’s at 1.30pm.