“We know all about winning county titles. It was thrown at us that we couldn’t play in the rain but by God we showed them today.” That was the emphatic reaction of Ballinacourty chairman Tony Mansfield after last year’s county final.
It exemplified the steel and determination that was required to topple Stradbally on that miserable day in October at Fraher Field. Through the wind and rain and mud, they had emerged from the battlefield with a one point win to savour against a side that had claimed seven of the previous ten titles. Gary Hurney sang from the same hymn sheet in his post match comments. “People have said that we can’t do it against them (Stradbally) on a wet day. We proved that we can mix it on soft ground, on hard ground or on any sort of a ground. We’re Ballinacourty and we are here to stay.” If Courty continue to display that resolve they will be difficult to dislodge this time around.
Undoubtedly they possess the firepower to complete two in a row. An attack containing Mark Ferncombe, Gary Hurney and Patrick Hurney will be difficult for any defence to keep a handle on. The strength of their side is probably best reflected in terms of their inter county representation. Six players currently occupy places on John Owens’ senior panel and all six could start their championship opener with Limerick on May 20.
As always their sternest opposition will come from Stradbally and the Nire. The Reds didn’t play up to their usual high standards for large parts of last year’s championship yet still only came a point short on final day. While an experienced core remain, they must continue to freshen up their side with some new faces to keep pace. No one will like to face them at the business end of the season. The Nire put themselves in pole position to reach the final against Stradbally in 2011 but fell away in the closing minutes. After missing out on the last two deciders they will seek to re-establish their credentials at the top table but need to discover a sharp inside forward to deliver on a consistent basis.
Kilrossanty joined the big three in the semi finals last year and if injury victims Tommy Prendergast and Paul Whyte return to the fold they can replicate that achievement. With Clinton Hennessy and Declan Prendergast no longer part of the inter county hurling set-up, Ardmore’s progress will be worth following as they can mix it with the top teams when they hit form. Clashmore, An Rinn and Rathgormack can also cause an upset on their day and all three will expect to advance to the quarter finals. Brickey Rangers surprised many observers last time around by reaching the knock out stages but they may find the going tougher on this occasion as will Gaultier. At this juncture Dungarvan and St Saviours appear to be the likely candidates for the drop down to intermediate.
With the twelve clubs now divided into two groups of six it will be interesting to observe how the public embrace the new format. Certainly the standard of football on display must improve on previous years if the crowds are to flock to Fraher Field this weekend. Without the entertainment factor, attention will drift away as the group stages progress. Despite these changes, the Conway Cup will be contested between the big three when the knock out stages roll around and while little separates them, Ballinacourty have earned the tag of favouritism.
First round previews
20 April
Clashmore v Stradbally (8.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The Reds usually coast through the early rounds and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t happen again. Brian O’Halloran, Sean Fleming and Cillian O’Keeffe should test their rearguard on Friday night but not many teams can cope with the intensity that Stradbally bring to bear.
Odds: Clashmore 11/2 Draw 12/1 Stradbally 1/10
Prediction: Stradbally
21 April
Dungarvan v An Rinn (2.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
Dungarvan make their return to the senior ranks and they will target games like these to preserve their status. An Rinn can blow hot and cold at times but in Liam Ó’Lonáin and Donie Breathnach they pack the firepower to make a positive start.
Odds: Dungarvan 13/8 Draw 7/1 An Rinn 4/7
Prediction: An Rinn
The Nire v Gaultier (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
The Eastern side will need to offer more support to JJ Hutchinson in attack to stand a chance of an upset here. Facing the experience of the O’Gorman twins, Shane Walsh and Brian Wall to name a few, they will need to step up their performance levels all over the field. Although considering that this will be the first day out, the result may be closer than some expect.
Odds: The Nire 1/8 Draw 11/1 Gaultier 5/1
Prediction: The Nire
Rathgormack v Ballinacourty (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Not a straightforward opener for the reigning champions but they should still come away with the spoils. With some promising young players on board and the accuracy of Edmond Hogan to rely on, Rathgormack will pounce on any rustiness in the Courty ranks.
Odds: Rathgormack 5/2 Draw 8/1 Ballinacourty 1/3
Prediction: Ballinacourty
22 April
Ardmore v St Saviours (3.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Don’t expect too many fireworks in this one but if St Saviours can replicate their heroics against Ballinameela at the tail end of last year they may give this one a rattle.
Still, hard to back against the experience of the Hennessys and the Prendergasts on the Ardmore side.
Odds: Ardmore 4/6 Draw 7/1 St Saviours 11/8
Prediction: Ardmore
Brickey Rangers v Kilrossanty (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
A repeat of last year’s quarter final where it took twenty minutes for the first score to arrive. If Kilrossanty’s big names return to the fray they can edge another low scoring battle with the Brickeys.
Odds: Brickey Rangers 11/8 Draw 7/1 Kilrossanty 4/6
Prediction: Kilrossanty
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