Lismore and Tallow square up for semi spot

A BATTLE ROYAL is in prospect at Cappoquin this evening (6.15pm) when neighbours and arch-rivals Lismore and Tallow meet in the quarter- final of the Waterford SHC.

The prize for the winners is a meeting with Ballygunner in the semi-final in two weeks, but before that there’s the small matter of sorting out this latest chapter in an exciting history between the rivals that is almost as old as the GAA itself.

Both sides have struggled on their way to this stage of the title race, with Lismore suffering a shock first round defeat to Ardmore before regaining some ground via the losers group.

Tallow have also been less than impressive on occasions, but with former Cork dual All-Ireland star Teddy McCarthy at the helm they have been steadily casting off their earlier inconsistency. They showed significant grit and resilience in seeing off Ardmore’s dogged challenge last time out, and will be quietly fancying their chances of taking another important step towards capturing a title they haven’t won since 1985.

In county stars James Murray and Paul O’Brien they have key players at midfield and in attack, but the team is about much more than this talented duo. David O’Brien will marshal their defence; the Kearney twins, Aidan and Paul, are polished performers, and Barry Power, son of the legendary Ned, has many of the qualities that made his father such a superb goalkeeper.

The big worry for Lismore remains the fitness of their most influential player, Dan Shanahan. He has been plagued by the ankle injury he sustained in the defeat of Ballyduff Upper last month and was unable to take his place in the starting line up against Roanmore last Sunday.

“It’s the one game I just don’t want to miss,” Shanahan said, “and after further days of intensive treatment I feel the injury is definitely on the mend.”

Equally crucial to their cause will be their other county star, Dave Bennett, whose 12-point haul in last Sunday’s win over Roanmore carried the day for them. However, Bennett lacked support in attack in that game and they are unlikely to get away with a repeat this evening. Hence the importance of Shanahan being able to take his place up front.

The experience of goalkeeper Brendan Landers, defenders James O’Connor, William Cunningham, and the Sullivan twins, Michael and Mark, will also be vital to their cause, and big displays will also be expected of the youthful but talented David Howard and John Heneghan.

At Dungarvan this afternoon (4pm) Ardmore will play Tramore to decide who meets Clashmore in the next round of the losers group.