Cork Premier SHC final: Barrs have finishing power to edge Glen Rovers

Glen have not produced anything comparable for impressiveness to the final 15 minutes of the Barrs’ semi-final victory over Kanturk

William Buckley is one of those who must perform for the Barrs if they are to beat Glen Rovers in the Cork Premier SHC final. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

A final pairing that was inconceivable after the opening weekend of action. The Glen bate by the 14 men of Blackrock. The Barrs so meek in

This final pairing was still inconceivable as Rounds 2 and 3 drew to a close. The Glen trailed Kanturk late on and were gone from the championship had they not hit the last four points for a 3-20 to 1-24 victory. Two weeks later, the Barrs found themselves trailing Newcestown late on and were eliminated but for the point shared at Enniskeane.

The Glen, while much more consistent over the course of the campaign and much closer to putting together a 60-minute display, are still prone to fade-outs. The latest was the 10 minutes before half-time against Midleton.

Holding their semi-final opponents to just two points in the opening 21 minutes captured the phenomenal work-rate of the Glen players and the homework done by management in shutting down Midleton’s areas of strength.

But popular or not, it is the view of this corner that the Glen have not produced anything comparable for impressiveness to the final 15 minutes of the Barrs’ semi-final. Four behind Kanturk, not clicking, and they proceed to outgun the championship’s form team by 1-9 to 0-3.

Of the many intriguing sub-plots to this 13th Glen-Barrs county final - six wins apiece and one draw - don’t dare overlook the importance of the sideline square-up. Donal O’Rourke in the Glen’s coaching corner, Kevin Murray further down the way in blue. Their principles will be writ large on proceedings.

The household names and headline matchups have been teased out all week. No need to rehash them here. But what of the supporting cast? Jack O’Kelly had a quiet semi-final for the Barrs. Could he be a bolter? Or maybe 20-year-old John Wigginton-Barrett?

For the Glen, you’re looking at Rhys Dunne and Conor McCarthy at midfield. Lee Quilligan, too, a line further on.

If the Barrs are to record a fifth consecutive final win over their fiercest rivals, and draw level with the Glen on 27 titles, Ethan Twomey must bring over two halves what he showed during the second 30 against Kanturk, William Buckley must roam and return to pre-semi-final form, Ben Cunningham must again marry silk and steel, and the full-back line must contain the Glen’s inside three. All that doable?

Verdict: St Finbarr’s