CBC’s Barrett wary of falling at final hurdle

Shane Barrett, one of the inspirational figures on the Christian Brothers College team that will contest their first Dr Harty Cup final in 101 years, is looking forward to leading his side out against Midleton CBS in tomorrow’s eagerly awaited showdown at Páirc Uí Rinn.

A huge crowd is expected at the Boreenmanna Road venue for the first all-Cork decider since North Monastery defeated Midleton CBS in 1994, and more than anything else, the captain would love to see his team play with the same level of grit and determination that has brought them to the decider.

Last year, they fell at the second last hurdle to the eventual champions Ardscoil Rís.

This season, they have had to dig deep, particularly in the knock-out matches against Nenagh CBS and CBS Thurles.

And now the Blarney attacker is hoping there is another kick left in them when they face the east Cork side.

“We’ve had a nice campaign but nothing is won yet. We are really looking forward to the final, it will be a big challenge and we will need to play well.

We’d know a lot of the Midleton lads. I’ve been involved from U14 up with Cork and would have played with some of them on those teams.

To add that bit more extra spice, Blarney and Midleton met in the 2018 Rebel Óg Premier 1 county minor hurling final.

One of the Midleton players — Kevin Finn — features on the CBC starting 15.

“Midleton beat us in that minor final. There are seven of us from Blarney on the CBC panel, so yes, we would have come across each other quite a bit.”

Barrett, an All Ireland U17 medalist with the county in 2017, was captain of the Cork minor team last year. He anticipates this will be a huge occasion for CBC.

“It is kind of special the way Christians were in the inaugural final and now 101 years later we are here again. It is a massive day for the school.

"I’m in sixth year so this is my last opportunity. There are a good few of us who are in our final year.”

School work and study has become a welcome distraction for the Sidney Hill student with the Pre-Leaving Cert exams currently taking place.

“The exams have started, they were on last week and this week. We will finish the day before the match. They will keep us occupied.”