Three key battles in Ballygunner v Éire Óg

Containing Shane O'Donnell will be on Ballygunner's to-do list

Ballygunner's Pauric Mahony is that talismanic he may deserve special treatment. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Ian Kenny v Shane O’Donnell 

Kenny has stepped up to the full-back role since Barry Coughlan bid adieu and in stature he is a good match for O’Donnell, but combatting last year’s hurler of the year in the air will require all his concentration. O’Donnell hasn’t been scoring heavily - two points in each of the last two games and none in the county semi-final - but it’s the attention he draws and the support play he provides that also make him as good as he is.

Pauric Mahony v Aaron Fitzgerald 

Gerry O’Connor might not want to move his defensive anchor away from centre-back if Mahony veers towards the wings. Certainly, Ballygunner wouldn’t dream of asking Mahony’s brother Philip to do anything but hold the centre. Ballygunner usually position one of the younger Mahony siblings at centre-forward early doors but Pauric is that talismanic a figure that he might deserve respect from a tidy defender like Fitzgerald.

Dessie Hutchinson v Ciarán Russell 

Éire Óg have to be patient at the start in that Ballygunner’s forwards will alternate positions to throw them before settling on spots. Hutchinson could begin in the half-forward line and in Mahony’s absence against Na Piarsaigh spent a lot of time there. He should be closer to goal for the most part though and Russell has the athleticism to cope with him. He might fancy Hutchinson’s speed won’t be as apparent in heavier conditions.