Coleman fires Blues for big time return

BALLINHASSIG will pick from a full squad for their first appearance in the Cork Co SHC — since their defeat by Glen Rovers in 1972 — when they take on Na Piarsaigh at Pairc Uí Rinn (throw-in 4.20pm).

Blues mentor Diarmuid Coleman said: “This a massive occasion for us and one we are going to enjoy.”

“We are where we want to be, but with relegation in operation for the first time, it’s important to win at least one game to keep your senior status.

“Our team is very young but well able to hurl. We feel all the pressure is on our opponents. We have nothing to lose and all to gain, and will give it everything to secure that one victory which would keep us in the grade for another season.

“The prospect of meeting the losers of the Erin’s Own/Sarsfields game, if we lose, is not something we wish to contemplate. You can take it we’ll give this game our very best shot and hopefully it will be good enough.”

Na Piarsaigh are also injury free following the return of David Gardiner after a hamstring injury which kept him out of their recent SFC defeat by Aghada. Club secretary Michael Connery said his side are expecting a tough hour from last year’s intermediate champions.

“Ballinhassig were unlucky to lose the All-Ireland intermediate final to a last-minute goal, but have recovered well, chalking up a good wins over St Finbarr’s and Castlelyons, and draws with Killeagh and Blackrock in this year’s senior league.

“Losing the title last year was a big disappointment for us, but it also helped in a way, allowing us to recharge the batteries. There is an air of optimism within the club that we could get back to where we were two years ago.”