Fintan O’Toole
FOR a competition which has had a habit of producing serial winners, the 2011 instalment of the Munster Club SHC has the prospect of being a remarkably novel affair. Toomevara, Newtownshandrum and De La Salle have carved up seven of the last eight provincial titles, yet none of that trio even managed to reach the finals in their own counties this season. Waterford winners Ballygunner have featured heavily in the Munster arena, lifting the crown in 2001, yet the remaining four teams have only previously played one game between them in the provincial senior champiosnhip. And that only occurred last October, when Clare champions Crusheen lost out 2-11 to 0-14 against Kilmallock in the Munster quarter-final. For Carrigtwohill, Drom-Inch and Na Piarsaigh this is all unchartered territory.
Ballygunner (Waterford)
How have they reached this stage?
The city outfit cruised to their 12th Waterford senior crown when they comfortably defeated Tallow by 1-19 to 0-6 in Walsh Park last Sunday week.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch?
Ballygunner centre-back Wayne Hutchinson, midfielder David O’Sullivan, centre-forward Shane O’Sullivan, corner-forward Brian O’Sullivan and full-forward Pauric Mahony all featured at some stage for the Waterford senior hurlers during their 2011 championship campaign.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on?
Pauric Mahony starred for the Waterford seniors this summer in his Freshman year operating at intercounty level and his older brother Philip is likely to join him on that stage soon. Still eligible for the U21 grade next season, Philip starred in the De La Salle All-Ireland colleges winning teams and while centre-back is his optimum position, he is also proficient in a half-back role.
And on the sideline, who’s calling the shots?
Niall O’Donnell is the Waterford club’s manager for the second successive year and previously lined out at right corner-back when the club defeated Blackrock to win the 2001 Munster title.
Munster title chances?
Within the club there is a fierce ambition to collect a second Munster title and that hunger should extend to the team given that Alan Kirwan and Andy Maloney are the only two players with provincial medals in their pockets. The team is packed with talent and after losing to Newtownshandrum in the 2009 Munster decider, they have matured as an outfit. But the first hurdle will be tricky to overcome as they travel to Semple Stadium to square off against Drom-Inch next Sunday.
Carrigtwohill (Cork)
How have they reached this stage?
In memorable fashion Carrigtwohill claimed their first Cork senior crown in 93 years in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in early October, when substitute Seanie O’Farrell proved the scoring hero as his late point sealed a 0-15 to 1-11 victory over third-level outfit Cork IT.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch?
Niall McCarthy is the club’s marquee name after accumulating a wealth of experience on the senior stage with Cork and his star shows no sign of waning as evidenced by his man of the match performance in their county final success. Noel Furlong and Robert White are others who featured heavily for Cork at underage level.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on?
Defender Pat O’Sullivan was on the fringes of the Cork U21 squad this year and his performances in the county championship have illustrated his potential. Won an All-Ireland Fresher’s hurling medal when lining out at corner-back with UCC last year.
And who’s calling the shots on the sideline?
Lismore native James O’Connor has been hugely impressive since coming on board with Carrigtwohill at the start of last season as the former Waterford U21 hurling selector has transformed the club from relegation battlers into title winners.
Munster title chances?
Claiming county glory after a barren spell inevitably generated euphoric scenes in the East Cork village but they are greatly assisted by the fact that they will have had a six-week break to refocus their minds before they face Crusheen in the Munster semi-final. The squad returned to training soon after that county final win and having home advantage in Cork is another benefit. Will also feel they under-performed when make an early exit from the Munster IHC in 2007.
Crusheen (Clare)
How have they reached this stage?
Overcame the challenge of Sixmilebridge by 0-10 to 0-4 in the dogfight that unfolded on a sodden afternoon in Cusack Park last Sunday, as they lifted the Canon Hamilton trophy for the second successive year.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch?
Plenty. Donal Tuohy, Cian Dillon and Pat Vaughan all represented Clare in senior league or championship action this year while Gerry O’Grady and David Forde have an abundance of past senior experience with the Banner. Defender Ciaran O’Doherty captained Clare when they lifted the historic 2009 All-Ireland U21 crown.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on?
Corner-forward Fergus Kennedy has caught the eye in Crusheen’s county championship winning campaign this year by bagging key scores. Has lined out for the Clare U21’s in the past two seasons.
And who’s calling the shots on the sideline?
Michael Browne has been at the helm in guiding Crusheen to the last two county titles and prior to that enjoyed success with Tulla when they won the Clare senior crown against his native Crusheen in 2007.
Munster title chances?
There will be a sense in the Crusheen camp that they failed to do themselves justice in their provincial senior debut last year, losing by three points against Kilmallock in Ennis. Have three weeks to get themselves in the right shape for a semi-final joust with Carrigtwohill but they must travel to Cork for that clash. Their team looks stronger this year with their younger players more seasoned and they possess a formidable rearguard.
Drom-Inch (Tipperary)
How have they reached this stage?
Finally got their hands on the Dan Breen Cup when triumphing in the Tipperary final last Sunday week by 1-19 to 2-14 against Clonoulty-Rossmore. In the process they erased the bitter disappointment of county final losses in 2005, 2007 and 2009.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch?
Captain Seamus Callanan lined out for Tipperary in last month’s All-Ireland final loss to Kilkenny while James Woodlock was on the bench for that Croke Park showdown. Goalkeeper Damien Young, defender Eamonn Buckley and attacker Seamus Butler have all sampled senior hurling with Tipperary in the past.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on?
David Collins lined out for the Tipperary minor hurlers in the 2009 championship and this year enjoyed an excellent campaign with Drom-Inch, culminating in a sparkling county final display when he struck 0-3.
And who’s calling the shots on the sideline?
Drom-Inch native Teddy Kennedy fills the role of manager with Sean Prendergast from Lismore, who was previously involved with Erins Own as they lifted the Cork SHC crown in 2006, the coach to the team.
Munster title chances?
A lot will depend on how Drom-Inch have recovered from the exertions of last Sunday week’s county decider and the subsequent celebrations as they finally acquired silverware. They have a short time frame to prepare themselves but the vibes from the camp appear to be good and there seems a clear interest in competing on the provincial stage. On the more difficult side of the draw yet will be pleased their first game is on in the familiar setting of Semple Stadium.
Na Piarsaigh (Limerick)
How have they reached this stage?
Despatched Ahane by 2-18 to 0-13 four weeks ago in the Gaelic Grounds to claim their first ever Limerick title and atoned for the crushing 17-point defeat they suffered in the 2009 county final.
Any inter-county stars of note on the pitch?
Kevin Downes burst to prominence when firing home two goals for the Limerick seniors on his championship debut against Waterford last June, before captaining a Limerick U21 team, that contained clubmates James O’Brien, Alan Dempsey and Shane Dowling, to Munster glory in August.
Which young gun should we keep an eye on?
Dowling, who was Limerick minor captain this year, is an exceptional talent who is a prolific scorer from frees and fired 2-5 for the Limerick U21’s when they fell short in this year’s All-Ireland semi-final against Galway.
And who’s calling the shots on the sideline?
Sean Stack, the decorated Clare defender from the ’70s and ’80s who won two National League medals with his county in that period, is the supremo for the Caherdavin club.
Munster title chances?
A young and inexperienced, yet supremely talented, side could thrive in the new surroundings of the provincial game. The Limerick county final clearly indicated the scoring potential they possess but whoever emerges from the Drom-Inch and Ballygunner tie to face them will be more battle-hardened. May be too big an ask for them to deliver a Munster title first time around.
Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/V6VHhVIP1Qs/post.aspx
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