Umpires on their toes - Ballinacourty v The Nire preview

 

The Nire and Kilrossanty proved three weeks ago that the standard of club football in the county can soar to dizzy heights. The pace was fast and furious from throw in and never relented. Another evening of positive play should be in store during this second semi final.

The Nire survived a rigorous examination of their credentials in that quarter final. Following a humiliating hurling exit and starting minus Shane Lawlor, Jamie Barron and Shane Walsh, their younger lights showed conviction. Darren Guiry, Shane Ryan and Conor Gleeson kicked 1-8 between them. In defence, nobody knows this road better than Justin Walsh and John Moore but this pair continue to push for another Conway Cup and defy Father Time. The overall performance levels dipped during the group stages after driving Stradbally to the cliff edge in 2012. That was emphasised by a 1-15 to 0-12 humbling to Saturday’s opponents Only a late revival made the match appear somewhat competitive. At half time, they trailed by 1-11 to 0-3. They sourced the necessary hunger, work rate and precise shooting when the chips were down in the quarter final. Tipperary All Star Declan Browne is also lending a helping hand. Liam Lawlor retreated into a deeper position as that game wore on but his shrewdness in possession may be required closer to the target on this occasion. Five goals in six games reflects that need. An extra week of healing is also no harm.

On their group stage form, Ballinacourty looked like Stradbally’s biggest threat. Their forward fluency saw them sweep to five convincing wins. They sailed into choppy seas against St Saviours in Carraiganore however before they navigated to calm waters by the last quarter. They have realigned their forces this season with Shane Briggs falling back to number three and Sean O’Hare also dropping to number six. The fruits of their underage success are also starting to sprout with names like Collins, Looby and Maloney set to become more familiar in the future. Up front, the spike in Mark Ferncombe’s form has rubbed off on the rest. Patrick Hurney’s big numbers are not restricted to the small ball, Gary Hurney will hope to profit from the Nire’s difficulty under the skyscrapers and Michael O’Halloran is striking the leather with assuredness. 11 goals in six outings is an intimidating amount and the Saviour’s game was their only one without a green flag. They will relish a shootout should the game develop in that fashion.

There is clear motivation for both. Ballinacourty never put forward a strong case for retention of their title last term as they surrendered to Stradbally in the semi final. They have rediscovered the appetite that saw them escape from the monsoon with the silver in 2011. It’s all about unfinished business for The Nire. The Reds rarely give you two shots at a county title but the Ballymacarbry side couldn’t complete their mission on either occasion. Five years is a long gap without a trophy for a team with class dotted throughout the field. On the evidence of 2013, Ballinacourty score around twenty points per game and The Nire shoot around fifteen. Courty can justify their favouritism on a busy evening for the men in white coats.

Betting: Ballinacourty 10/11 Draw 13/2 The Nire 6/5

Prediction: Ballinacourty