An Rinn railing against Red tide - Stradbally v An Rinn Preview

An overdue semi final appearance for An Rinn after knocking around the knockout stages for a couple of years. They must attack this rare opportunity rather than curl up into a ball. Other breakthrough teams haven’t fared well when faced with one of the top three at this stage of the competition. In 2011, Kilrossanty shipped a heavy defeat to Ballinacourty (0-14 to 1-2) and last year, Clashmore suffered at the hands of The Nire (3-13 to 0-15). How can An Rinn close the gap?

Stradbally slip-ups are rare. In 2007, Ardmore prevailed by 2-5 to 0-6 as they claimed early goals in each half to seize control. Three years later, Ballinameela pulled a rabbit out of a hat with a late goal but Andy Doyle had just enough time to level. Ten final appearances in twelve years shows that their routine is rarely disrupted.

They may reach this year’s decider by avoiding their fiercest foes. Aided by Oliver Costelloe’s shot stopping, they made light work of Ballinameela in the last eight. The Ahearnes struck 1-7 between them and only the 15 wides could be identified as some sort of homework for Stephen Cunningham’s side. The forward line are now in the habit of running up big scores. 9-86 in six championship games so far. They broke through the twenty point barrier on three occasions in the group stages. Even last year’s county final matchwinner David Grey is not a guaranteed starter. They pick apart their prey with customary patience and cruel precision. Possession is rarely wasted as all players are so comfortable with ball in hand. In that environment, opponents must be economical when openings develop.

An Rinn are unbeaten since an opening round defeat to Ballinacourty in April. Three wins and two draws finally pushed them past the quarter finals. An appearance in the final of Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta also aided their growth. They can play to a quick tempo and Liam Ó Lonáin’s searching raids earn a profit. He cut through on two occasions in the quarter finals and after fluffing his first effort, he rippled the net at the second time of asking. A doubt hangs over the fitness of top scorer Donie Breathnach after he left fray with a recurrence of a hamstring strain against Clashmore. It’s almost impossible to see them winning without him. He brings imagination and vision to centre forward. He can pop points off left and right along with a reliable return from frees. A call-up from Niall Carew cannot be far away. In defence, Aonghus Ó hEochaigh has only conceded four times, Noel Ó Murchu and Tadhg Ó hUallacháin provide cool heads while Cillian Ó Murchu and Darach Breathnach are already on the scoresheet in this year’s championship.

The issue for An Rinn lies in their low scoring average of twelve points per game compared with nineteen for Stradbally. One goal in six outings is another worrying statistic. A good start is essential to make the champions sweat and knock them off balance. They will find it hard to match the Reds in the collisions however and unlock their defence with regularity. Stradbally adapt to all situations thrown at them and there is a bank of knowledge stored within the group. With the Shane and Robert Ahearne flying up front, their quest for a fourth title in five seasons should survive An Rinn’s enthusiasm by four or five points.

Betting: Stradbally 1/3 Draw 15/2 An Rinn 3/1

Prediction: Stradbally