Twomey says hurling success for St Finbarr's can help footballers' cause

TOO QUICK: Ethan Twomey gets his shot away to score a goal for St Finbarr's in Sunday's Cork SHC win over Newcestown. Picture: Jim Coughlan

The feelgood factor from St Finbarrs’ hurlers’ relieving victory over Newcestown can extend to the footballers’ final round game next Sunday, says Ethan Twomey.

The Cork hurler overcame a recent hamstring injury to score their opening goal and provide a commanding performance to inspire the Barrs’ hurlers to a win that staved off any fears of a relegation play-off.

Twomey picked up the setback lining out for the footballers in their Group C second round defeat to Mallow in mid-August, a surprise result which means the 2023 semi-finalists must beat Valley Rovers in Coachford on Sunday to secure passage to the knock-out stages.

Along with fellow dual players like Jamie Burns, Ciarán Doolan, Damien and Jack Cahalane, Brian Hayes, William Buckley and John Wiggington-Barrett, the 21-year-old will be hoping to repeat the trick and sees the win over Newcestown being a positive factor.

“It definitely will. Tight games like that, you gain confidence and momentum so you’d be happy with that. We’ve to beat Valley Rovers to get through and we’re still in it, that’s the main thing.” 

Twomey’s 2024 season has been a progressive one even if injuries such as concussion which kept him out of the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final and quarter-final games against Offaly and Dublin.

The latest setback wasn’t his first hamstring issue this year either but he was able to overcome it to answer his club’s need. “I tore my hamstring playing for the footballers a few weeks ago and missed the second game against Fr O’Neills but happy to be back for this one.

“It was touch and go there but delighted to get the result and stay up at senior for another year. Disappointed not to get out of the group this year but the aim will be to do it next year.” 

After the win on Sunday, St Finbarrs’ selector Seán McCarthy spoke of the difficulties faced by the club when so many toggle between the premier senior football and hurling camps.

Twomey has felt that strain. “It is very tough when you’re playing both at premier senior and in fairness to Newcestown they’re the same. We’re proud to be playing both at the highest level but it is tough.” 

For Twomey, to get back playing with his own after the disappointment of July’s All-Ireland final extra-time loss to Clare offered distraction and solace. “This is where all your best friends are. I have been playing with fellas like Jack Cahalane and Ben Cunningham all the way up, all those lads, and it’s great to be back playing with them.”