Finals beckon for top clubs
It's been non-stop for the West Cork club since losing the junior All-Ireland final three years ago, and club official James Hubbert is hoping there is still something left in the tank.
"The fact that the All-Ireland semi-final is being played at least a month earlier this year isn't helping the cause," said James. "We would have preferred a longer break to charge the batteries.
"Thankfully, we don't have any injuries apart from Seamus Hayes who has missed out on most of our games because of a long term problem. It's been very hard on the players, but the desire to win All-Ireland honours is driving them on.
They are determined to make the most of it as long as they can."
At intermediate hurling level, Ballinhassig face an unknown opponent in Glenariff (Antrim) at a Dublin venue on Sunday at 2.30pm but may have to line out without Michael Aherne, who picked up an ankle injury in last week's county IHL semi-final against Tracton.
The game had originally been fixed for Parnell Park but the Dublin hurlers are down to play Wexford in the Walsh Cup at the same time.
"This is virgin territory for us", said selector Diarmuid Coleman. "We know absolutely nothing about our opponents apart from the fact that they have John McIntosh, who plays senior with the county.
"We'll be expecting a tough hour, but we have prepared well and there will be no excuses.
"We have our hearts set on winning the All-Ireland as it would be a massive boost as we face into the county senior championship against Na Piarsaigh later in the year."
Cork junior champions Fr O'Neills also venture into the unknown when they travel to Dr Cullen Park (Carlow) on Sunday to take on Castleblaney Faughs in the All-Ireland semi-final.
"We've no injury problems," said O'Neills PRO Denis O'Flynn. "It's a game we are looking forward to. An All-Ireland title for the club would be fantastic and we are determined to bring it home.
"At the start of the 2005 season our primary objective was to win the Cork title for the first time. We did that and everything else was going to be a bonus. Winning out in Munster has only whetted the appetite for more.
"Our team is a very experienced one with several members having worn the county jersey in various grades. Brian O'Driscoll and Ger Holland our captain, played intermediate for Cork while Johnny Flavin was a minor a few years ago."
Ardfert will be hoping to emulate the feat of Finuge who won the title last year when they face Monaghan Harps in the All-Ireland junior football championship semi-final at Portlaoise (1pm).
"We are injury-free," said club secretary Brendan Slattery, "and looking forward to the challenge. The idea of All-Ireland titles for clubs at this level is great, as it puts a great buzz in a small club.
"Hurling is our first choice but we have managed to put together a very good football team in the last couple of years. Dermot Dineen and John Egan were members of the county under-21 squad in 2005 while Stephen Wallace played with the Underdogs against the Kerry seniors two years ago.
"When you include the Ferris brothers, Eamon and Máirtín, there is a very nice blend of youth and experience to our team. Apart from the fact that Sunday's opponents were a senior club a few years ago, we know little about them, but they do have a far bigger pick than we have as they are based in Monaghan town.
"Because of the early start we are the first game of a double header on Sunday we have to travel on Saturday which puts added expense on the club but the result is all that matters. We'll find the money somewhere."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
