McGrath looks set to miss clash with Lismore
With both semi-finals forming a double-header - Ballygunner take on surprise package Fourmilewater in the other - the fans are expected to turn out in their thousands in expectation of two cracking contests.
McGrath hasn’t played since picking up a knee ligament injury in the first round game against Ardmore almost three months ago, and while he has been having regular treatment since, a Mount Sion spokesman said yesterday he has little or no chance of featuring in their starting line up on Sunday.
“The best we can realistically hope for is that Ken could come on at some stage, if the need arises,” he added.
The bad news doesn’t end there for the champions who are seeking to win the coveted title for a remarkable (and record) 32nd time. The versatile Kenny Stafford is also extremely doubtful because of illness, and ’Sion won’t find it easy to adequately fill the gap his absence will create.
In contrast Lismore are injury free, but more than that they will welcome back top forward Shane Kearney who has just completed a twelve week suspension following his sending off for Waterford in the Munster IHC final against Cork last July.
Who will make way for Kearney is difficult to say, but the certainty is that their attack will carry considerably more potency with him includedin the sector.
Lismore lost by a solitary point to Mount Sion in an earlier round of the championship, but with Dave and Eoin Bennett, Dan Shanahan, Brendan Landers, James O’Connor, Seamus Prendergast, John Heneghan, and David Howard playing consistently well, they have battled their way to this penultimate stage via the losers group.
Even without McGrath, who also missed that previous game against Lismore, and Stafford, Mount Sion remain formidable opposition.
Brian Flannery, Brian Greene, Tony Browne, Eoin and Roy McGrath, and another of last year’s All Stars, Eoin Kelly, backbone the side and they will be favourites, however marginal, to advance to yet another final.
Lismore though will relish this second chance to lower the champions, and in some quarters they are being quietly fancied to do so.
The opening semi-final (2 pm) is a first ever appearance at this stage of the championship for Fourmilewater who take on the might of Ballygunner - the dominant side of the 1990s.
The Gunners will parade their big stars, including Fergal Hartley, Stephen Frampton, Paul Flynn, Andy Moloney and Billy O’Sullivan. But they are even stronger with the acquisition of the former Clare and Galway midfielder, Fergus Flynn, and many shrewd judges believe they will regain the title they last held in 2001.
Fourmilewater have confounded many, however, by reaching this stage for the first time. They have a trump card in former county star Pat Walsh, while current panellist Shane Walsh is another player the Gunners will need to watch.
Aidan and David Ryan, Eoin and Brian Wall, David Spellman, John Moore, and the hero of their county minor final victory last Sunday, Liam Lawlor, are other very accomplished players.
Expect a fiery Fourmilewater challenge, but it will be a real upset if the Gunners fail to make it to yet another decider.
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