Moneygall more ready to face North rivals again
By Michael Dundon
Moneygall manager Paul O’Brien’s reaction after his side had beaten Skeheenarinky at Boherlahan on Saturday to qualify for the County Intermediate Hurling final against Lorrha was to the point, “we will be the underdogs, that’s for sure.”
Moneygall had struggled for forty minutes to get the upper-hand on their South rivals and it was only in the closing stages that the best was seen of them. Despite shooting sixteen wides, they won by three points. Clearly, they can create chances – some work needs to be done on taking them if they are to lower the Lorrha colours.
In his second term at the helm with Moneygall, former JK Brackens man O’Brien is hoping his charges can go one better this year having been beaten in the semi-final last year.
Lorrha defeated Moneygall in the North semi-final in early July but Paul O’Brien does not read too much into that defeat.
“They beat us well but we were short a few players that day and I think we are a different proposition now”, he said.
He accepted that the display against Skeheenarinky would not be good enough to win the final.
“We have a lot of work to do,” he added.
“They got a bit of a run on us with the wind but the goal before half-time gave us a lifeline. We have a young team and they are showing great resolve. They stuck to the process today when things were not going our way. They have great spirit and commitment and that is something I have tried to develop since my time with them.”
Moneygall will be without defender Jack Kirwan for the final. He also missed out on the win over Skeheenarinky and they have concerns about his replacement James Carroll who had to go off injured after only twelve minutes. His fitness is being monitored this week.
Looking ahead to the final Paul O’Brien added: “Look, Lorrha were one of the favourites to come through right from the start. They have a fine team and have got some impressive results, but we are in the final on merit and we will be hoping that if we play like I know we can play, we can cause an upset.
“I have great faith in our lads, and I believe they will relish the opportunity to make amends for the North championship defeat by Lorrha.”