Nemo Rangers hoping Barry Cripps can play a part against the Barrs

Nemo, who were troubled by injuries through the group phase, are bidding to avoid a fourth consecutive county final defeat when they take on the Barrs this Sunday

Barry Cripps is Nemo Rangers' injury worry ahead of this weekend's Cork Premier SFC final against St Finbarr's. Pic: Dan Linehan

Barry Cripps is Nemo Rangers’ sole injury concern ahead of Sunday’s Cork football final, with manager Robbie O’Dwyer conceding that the midfielder is not in a position to line out for the full 60 minutes.

Cripps, who has been a permanent fixture in Nemo’s middle third since the beginning of this decade, started and lasted the full 60 minutes of their opening two championship games against Newcestown and St Michael's, but has not featured since the latter of those two fixtures on August 16.

O’Dwyer said the injury is related to both Cripps’ groin and hip flexor, and while he has not been ruled out of playing some part in Sunday’s decider against reigning champions St Finbarr’s, there’ll be no 60-minute involvement.

If Cripps were to be marked absent for a fourth consecutive championship game, it would represent a significant blow to Nemo such is the middle-third strength of the Barrs through Ian Maguire, Brian Hayes, newcomer Thomas Egan, Ricky Barrett, and Luke Hannigan.

“The only one we'd be worried about is Barry Cripps. He has a groin injury and a hip flexor [issue], it is two-in-one really,” said O’Dwyer.

“He has had it for a couple of months. Played the junior hurling game [Premier Junior relegation play-off on September 20] and it just got worse on the day, unfortunately, and he is finding it hard to get back now.

“He definitely won't be available for a full match [in the county final], but we are hoping he might be able to play some part really. We'll have to wait and see.”

Nemo, who are bidding to avoid a fourth consecutive county final defeat, were beset with injuries during the group phase. In-form defender Colin Molloy missed the opening round defeat to Newcestown, and come the group closer seven weeks later, Mark Cronin, Bryan Hayes, Conor Horgan, and Cripps were all in the sickbay.

“It was a worrying time. You were just wondering where you were going to go with all those players being out injured,” O’Dwyer continued.

“Fellas had to step up. And they did. What it has helped us do is create a panel, really. With all these fellas back now, we have a panel, fellas can step up, and the younger fellas that have come on have done very well, as well.

“We are happy enough where we are. We are in a good place. Unfortunately, Barry is not where we'd like him to be, but that is sport.”