Erin’s Own facing tough test

CHAMPIONS Erin’s Own put their Evening Echo Cork SHC title on the line against Carrigdhoun at Pairc Uí Chaoimh tonight (7pm) and are expecting a difficult hour from the divisional side.

“Our last competitive game was back on the May bank holiday weekend when we beat Bishopstown and it hasn’t been easy keeping the interest going since then,” said team coach PJ Murphy.

“We’ve played a lot of league games and were busy in the divisional U-21 and junior hurling championships, but because of county duty, we never had a full team, which hasn’t helped in our preparation.

“With everyone back now, it’s been full steam ahead. But Carrigdhoun are a serious outfit. They have the pick of five very good intermediate teams — Tracton, Carrigaline, Ballymartle, Valley Rovers and Courcey Rovers — all of whom are capable of winning their own grade.

“There are several Cork players involved, from minor up to senior, and we’ll have to be at our very best to get the result. Our team is very experienced also and, with no injuries, we won’t give up our title easily.”

Valley Rovers, Tracton and Courceys went out of the Premier IHC early, and the co-operation the selectors have received from the other teams still in the championship race has meant a fair degree of preparation has been done for tonight’s game.

Should the divisional side gel together there is every chance of an upset, particularly with hurlers of the calibre of Timmy Lordan, Kevin Canty, Richie Butler, Rory and Barry O’Dwyer, Stephen Corcoran, Joe Moran, Gary and Stephen White, Frank Walsh and Sean Collins to choose from.

Coach Finbarr Marshall, who brought Ballygarvan to county junior honours a few seasons ago, has succeeded in getting the divisional side playing as a team which is never easy with players from a variety of clubs.

“People have been saying it’s the best-prepared Carrigdhoun team to go out in years. If we can get a good start we are more than capable of dethroning the champions,” he said.