Guide to the County Hurling Final 2011

Ballygunner v Tallow
3.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Michael O’Brien (Portlaw)

Betting
Ballygunner 1/4 Draw 11/1 Tallow 10/3

Probable Teams
Ballygunner: Stephen O’Keeffe, Alan Kirwan, Willie Kiely, Barry Coughlan, Philip Mahony, Wayne Hutchinson, Stephen O’Keeffe, Shane Walsh, David O’Sullivan, Stephen Power, Shane O’Sullivan, Pauric Mahony, Brian O’Sullivan, J.J. Hutchinson, Harley Barnes.

Tallow: Shaun O’Sullivan, Aidan Kearney, David O’Brien, Ken Kearney, James Murray, Mark O’Brien, William Henley, Kieran Geary, Paul O’Brien, Evan Sheehan, Eoin Condon, Aaron Pratt, Kevin Curley, Shane McCarthy, Thomas Ryan.

Story To Date
With four wins from five games Ballygunner eased their way to the quarter finals from Group 2 while Tallow required a win against Roanmore in the final round to qualify as the third placed team from the same group. In round 3 Ballygunner hammered Sunday’s opponents by 2-17 to 0-6. The Gunners overcame a strong second half comeback from Fourmilewater in the quarters before toppling champions De La Salle in a controversial last four clash. On the other side of the draw Tallow surprised Lismore with a last minute Shane McCarthy goal at the quarter final stages and then went on to defeat Ballyduff Upper in atrocious conditions on semi final day.

Leading Scorers
Thomas Ryan, by a considerable distance, leads the Tallow scoring charts with a total of 4-43 from seven games. Evan Sheehan counts as the next best with 2-9. A better spread can be seen in the Ballygunner attack with Pauric Mahony heading the field on 0-47 from his six outings so far. JJ Hutchinson (5-15) commands second spot with Brian O’Sullivan (5-12) close behind.

Key Battles
Whichever half back line gains a strangle hold will most likely dictate the shape of this final. James Murray, Mark O’Brien and William Henley make up this line for Tallow with Philip Mahony, Wayne Hutchinson and Shane Walsh or David O’Sullivan at the other end. Tallow’s inner line will also need to be on high alert as they face a skilful full forward line and a record of 19 goals under their belt in this championship. Meanwhile Paul O’Brien’s influential role at midfield is one for the Gunners to keep tabs on.

Under The Radar
Tallow’s half forward line of Evan Sheehan, Eoin Condon and Aaron Pratt don’t stand out like other marquee names on the field but their contribution in the run to the county final cannot be denied. In terms of work ethic and ball winning ability they can cause disruption to opposition half back lines. As well as all that they contributed four points to the scoreboard in the semi final against Ballyduff Upper. If this line can produce four or five points between them again on Sunday the signs will be positive for the Bridesiders. On the Gunners side Alan Kirwan appears likely to return to their full back line after missing the semi final. As one of the tightest markers on the club circuit he could be detailed to police Thomas Ryan for the afternoon. An underrated but consistent performer Kirwan never fully received the recognition he deserved at inter county level.

Off The Bench
Veteran Andy Maloney has proven a valuable impact sub for the Gunners since his return from the intermediate ranks. Last time out he contributed a late point when introduced and brings his experience and composure to bear. Barry Mullane, Barry O’Sullivan and Naoise Waldron also provide sufficient cover in attack. Tallow’s replacements don’t offer the same depth of options but Tommy Daly impressed up front in the semi final against Ballyduff Upper.

Prediction
To put it simply; Tallow desperately need to keep things tight early on and avoid the concession of a first half goal. Their defence have kept three clean sheets on the bounce and the experience of the O’Briens, James Murray and Aidan Kearney must be brought to bear if they are to stand a chance. They will also require Thomas Ryan to convert every placed ball opportunity that comes his way. The firepower and all round quality of Ballygunner is hard to ignore however. Every sector of the field gleams with inter county men and apart from a blip against Mount Sion they have displayed relentless consistency in 2011. The potential for goals, the reliability of Pauric Mahony from frees and a stable defence led by Alan Kirwan, Philip Mahony and Wayne Hutchinson offer only some of the reasons for the favourites to prevail. Even if Tallow cling on early doors and make matters uncomfortable, a six point winning margin looks on the cards allowing Shane O’Sullivan to lift the News and Star cup.