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.”

Meantime, while their city rivals boast a well-balanced outfit, Killeagh will be relying heavy on their big-guns to perform - Crowley realises this is crucial to the outcome:

“We are hoping that Damien will be okay, but Mark (Landers) is not 100 percent either. We will have to get big games from Bernard (Rochford), Joe (Deane) and Johnny (Brenner). We do not see the backdoor as an option - the losers play UCC which is another difficult assignment.”

Meanwhile, the burning question in Togher is whether the Barrs are ready to deliver the knock-out blow this year and finally fulfil their county title aspirations. According to the Killeagh boss they do hold all the aces:

“They are a finely tuned side. They have the pick and with the likes of Ronan Curran playing so well, we know we will be up against it. But, we have character and heart, which will count for a lot.”

St Finbarr’s official Tony Maher is pleased with their build-up. It is a full decade since a Barrs’ side brought the Seán Óg Murphy cup to Togher.

“Things are going pretty well. We have played three league games and have full points,” indicated Maher. “We have had a few challenge matches and have worked very hard. We did well against Blackrock last year and our side has matured since then.”

Testament of their positive attitude is reflected in their refusal to contemplate the rear door entry. Neither does it bother the city club steering the team bus into the heart of the opposition’s territory: “We are no strangers to Carrigtwohill. Our minds will be focussed on winning against a very tough team.”