Byrnes back in familiar territory with Our Lady’s

It’s a case of do or die for last year’s defeated finalists Our Lady’s Secondary School, Templemore and CBS High School, Clonmel in today’s Dr Harty Cup tie in Cashel.

Wed, 23 Oct, 2013 - 01:00

Both sides go into their Group 4 clash having lost to Charleville CBS and beaten Youghal’s Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, effectively making it a quarter-final qualifier.

While Templemore have a slight advantage in that a draw would also put them through on scoring difference, manager Tom Byrnes is aware of the gravity of the situation.

“Last year, we were in this situation too after we drew the first game, so we know the territory we’re in,” he said.

“The first day against Charleville was a wake-up call, we drove 30 wides from scoreable positions and to come away still scoring 3-15 we knew that we weren’t too bad if we got going.

“Clonmel have been pushing for a few years, a lot of their team would have won the Rice Cup a few years ago so they’re a coming side.”

Templemore are fortunate in that some of last year’s heroes are still available, providing valuable experience.

“We have Pádraig Hogan, Colin O’Riordan and Dylan Carey,” Byrnes said, “so a lot of the central players are still there. It’s time for new lads to step up to the plate too.”

There is also a winner-takes-all game in Group 1, as Castletroy College and St Fintan’s CBS, Doon meet in the Gaelic Grounds. Doon, who beat St Flannan’s last year to qualify on scoring difference, have the advantage in that regard here as well, so a draw will be enough for them. Thurles CBS, who have already qualified, meet the eliminated Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG in the other game in Cahir.

In Group 2, Dungarvan CBS can take a giant step towards the

quarter-finals if they beat St Francis College, Rochestown in Youghal. Two weeks ago, Rochestown’s game against Blackwater CS was abandoned after a Blackwater player suffered a head injury.

Elsewhere, the finely-poised Group 3 should provide a clearer picture after today’s two matches. Ardscoil Rís, who lead with three points, play De La Salle of Waterford, who drew their first game.

Hamilton High School Bandon are second in the group with three points and they would be in a great position to qualify if they beat St Colman’s in Ballinlough.

Two weeks ago, the Bandon school overcame their Fermoy opponents in the O’Callaghan Cup (Cork Colleges SAHC).