Blackrock and Blarney’s intriguing battle for survival

IT’S a final. However, it’s not one either club is accustomed to, or one they crave to be involved in.

Blackrock’s rich history has been crammed with appearances in finals at club, provincial and national level. For Blarney, it’s only 19 months since they claimed All-Ireland intermediate hurling honours against Galway side Cappataggle in Croke Park.

Tomorrow afternoon in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the pair square off in a final of a different kind, as they battle to preserve their senior hurling status. It is a game that brings enormous pressures for both clubs.