Midleton CBS hope to extend Thurles’ wait for Harty success

HALF a century has passed since Thurles CBS last won the Dr Harty Cup - and how they hope to break that unenviable record this year.

Last season they lost to St Flannan’s by a couple of points in the decider. The Clare side are already back in the final and this afternoon Thurles, with nine of last year’s squad, can join them if they overcome Midleton CBS in Fermoy (2.30pm)

Thurles have shown great form to reach today’s semi final, scoring freely in all their games, including a hard-fought derby win over Our Lady’s.

They sparkled in their quarter-final win over Charleville CBS, winning by nine points, and a repeat of that form would cause the east Cork school a lot of problems. Captain Michael Cahill and Kevin Moran are the mainstays of defence while Pa Bourke is their main scorer. A county minor in 2005, Bourke, along with John O’Neill and Ciaran Cloghessy, will be the chief concerns for the Midleton back-line.

Midleton, who last won the title in 1995, have had an impressive campaign, hitting 9-52 in their four games. They are captained by Paudie O’Sullivan, younger brother of county senior Diarmuid, and he has been inspirational at centre back. If they could afford to play him in attack where he figures for his club at senior level, Midleton may have a chance.

With so many players from last year available, Thurles get the nod but any forward line that can score an average of 2-13 per game has to be respected.