Flannan’s captain set for shock recall

ST. FLANNAN’S captain James McInerney is in line for a shock recall for today’s All-Ireland Colleges SHC A Final against St. Kieran’s in Thurles.

McInerney, who missed much of the season through injury, impressed on club U-21 duty last weekend.

“While James is injury free, he has little done in terms of hurling, and the decision to be made is whether to start him or not,” coach James O’Connor admitted: “He is very experienced having played in three Harty finals in a row, and it’s a huge bonus to have him available.

“Apart from a few minor injuries, we have a full squad to pick from. As this is the last hurrah for most of the team, they all want to play in this final. We’ve had some tremendous games with Kieran’s over the years. The last time we met in the final was in 2000 when they won and we beat them the previous year.”

Both had contrasting fortunes in their respective semi-finals. Flannan’s had a tough encounter against Birr while Kieran’s easily defeated Thurles CBS.

Said O’Connor: “Birr gave Kieran’s a very difficult hour in the Leinster final and we were expecting an equally tough game from them. In that match it was our defence which won it for us as we sat back on our lead.

“We cannot afford to do that against Kieran’s. They have four of last year’s Kilkenny minor team which lost the All-Ireland final after a replay.”

Kieran’s have no injury worries and according to team mentor Tom Hogan, will be all out to retain their title.

“We have won the Croke Cup 16 times and are chasing our third win on the trot. In any of our previous meetings with Flannan’s there has been very little between us.

“Having watched them in their semi-final against Birr, Flannan’s are a very big team, and can also hurl a bit. It promises to be a great match and there won’t much in at the finish.”

Kieran’s will be favourites to retain their title. Back boned by four county minors, Neil Prendergast, Maurice Nolan and the Hogan brothers, Padraig and Richie, Flannan’s will have to be at their best.

The Harty Cup champions are also rich in talent, particularly in a defence built around John Moloney, Seamus Hickey and Ciaran O’Doherty.

The towering figure of Bernard Gaffney along with the classy Ger Arthur and Danny O’Halloran will lead the Flannan’s challenge up front. However, Kieran’s get the vote to retain their title.