Doon relishing big test
It’s a repeat of last year which Flannan’s won comfortably, and Doon are relishing the opportunity to turn the tables on the Ennis college.
The Limerick school are fortunate to be getting a second chance. They should have been beaten in the quarter-final by CSN but, after taking it to a replay, made no mistake at the second time of asking.
Doon coach Liam Ryan said: “I felt we could beat them because we never played in the drawn game. It was a wake up call. We hurled well in the replay and deserved our victory.
“Last year against Flannan’s we never got going. We are looking forward to doing ourselves justice this time. We have the potential to win, despite their tradition.”
St Flannan’s, too, are fortunate to be in the semi-final. They were pushed all the way by DLS Waterford in their quarter-final and, but for their defence, would have been beaten, a point acknowledged by team mentor Eamon Giblin.
“I’d have settled for a draw. But we got chances and took them, that was the difference,” said Giblin.
“We defended superbly when the pressure came with Shane O’Brien at wing back outstanding. I will be looking for a big improvement, particularly from our forwards. Up to now our defence has carried us through. This is a huge game, particularly in light of our victory over them 12 months ago.”
Both defences are excellent, which could result in a low scoring game. Doon have an outstanding full-back and centre-back in Ross Dunne and Edward Kiely respectively.
Forwards Michael Fitzgerald, Tommy O’Donoghue and Roger Ryan will earn their scores off the Flannan’s backs. O’Brien aside, Flannan’s are well served in defence by Mark Moloney and Shane Carroll.
Flannan’s problems are up front. They’ll need big games from Danny O’Halloran, Ger Arthur and Ken Kennedy.
Having taken the second bite of the cherry, Doon will start slight favourites but will have to play flat out for the hour to go all the way.
