Despite injury doubts Killeagh will still be tough opposition for Barr's

SATURDAY evening’s tie between Killeagh and St Finbarr’s will be a first meeting at senior hurling championship level for both clubs. Last time these sides clashed was in 1998 when they collided in the intermediate grade and ironically they will return once again to the same sod in Carrigtwohill this weekend.

However, the east Cork men will wait until the last minute before deciding their final line-out in this permanent tsb first round game. A hamstring injury has ruled Damien Irwin out of action for the past couple of weeks, nevertheless, the veteran full-back looks certain to be fit in time to fill the number three slot.

Despite an unbalanced league campaign - winning two and losing three - Killeagh can always be relied upon to be formidable opposition. Although, struggling at times in those games, manager Niall Crowley says his side has had to contend with an unbelievable run of injuries: “It is not an ideal way to go into championship with this type of preparation, but you can be assured we will be competing whole heartily. This is a very big game for us against one of the top teams of the moment. Four years ago we never thought we would be playing the Barrs in senior championship so we relish the opportunity.”