Terrific encounter in store as Borrisokane face Moneygall

By James Hayden

BORRISOKANE v MONEYGALL

St Michael's Park, Toomevara

Sunday, 23rd July

Throw-in @ 1.15pm (E.T.)

Referee: Christy McLoughlin (Nenagh Eire Og)

Pre-championship favourites Moneygall will have to be at the top of their game if they are to overcome a serious Borrisokane challenge in what is a mouth-watering North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling final on Sunday.

Last year’s county finalists will be hoping to annex their seventh North title at this grade with their previous titles coming in 1943, 1949, 1962, 1991, 2019 & 2021 and will be seeking an outcome similar to the 2021 final when they overcame Borrisokane 4-19 to 3-17.

However, Moneygall made hard work of overcoming a determined Shannon Rovers challenge in last Friday’s semi-final and will have to up their game noticeably if they are to overcome a Borrisokane side which were decidedly impressive in their eight-point victory over Kiladangan in their respective semi-final.

Moneygall were forced to extra-time in their victory over the Rovers but will have an extra 24 hours to recover from their exertions compared to Borrisokane who were out on Saturday evening, although Borrisokane’s semi-final was a decidedly easier affair.

Moneygall’s biggest concern will be their tally of wides amassed in their semi-final victory, particularly the nature of those wides, but they will have time to work on their shooting this week. Manager Paul O’Brien may also be faced with a selection headache with regard to his choice of keeper, considering Ciaran Quinlan picked up an injury and was forced off against the Rovers and sub-keeper, Kevin McCormack’s introduction provided Moneygall’s attack with pinpoint accurate puckouts, a number of which yielded important scores.

In attack, Moneygall have players well able to score with Paddy Fogarty, Joe Fogarty, and Sean Kenneally capable of providing a constant threat while Bob Kenny is capable of unlocking any defence with his incisive runs and clever positioning. Kenneally is the main goal threat though and Borrisokane will have to be mindful of his goal-getting and game-winning abilities.

The midfield pairing of Brendan Toohey and Aodhán Ryan will have their work cut out for them if they are to curb the influence of their Borrisokane counterparts, Liam Cleary and Jack Larkin but they are well capable of this task. In defence, the experienced Phil Fanning and Conor Ryan will lead their respective lines while captain, Adam Hogan will undoubtedly provide the foundation for many of Moneygall’s attack.

Borrisokane’s last North Tipperary intermediate title came in 2018 and they will be seeking to bridge a five-year gap since the last Fr. Hewitt Cup made its way to the Lower Ormond town. The men in green and white will be gunning for their ninth north title having won titles in 1940, 1952, 1958, 1973, 1982, 1995, 1996 & 2018 and possess a potent mix of youth and experience well capable of capturing the title.

Scorer-in-chief, Oisín Larkin is Borrisokane’s talisman and his man of the match performance against Kiladangan will have been taken on board by Moneygall’s backroom team. Manager Seamus Gleeson had his side extremely well primed for their semi-final but a notable take from the game was Borrisokane’s ability to score from long range. A tally of 29 points is nothing to be sniffed at and Borrisokane have the ability to pick teams apart if they are allowed the necessary space.

In defence, Borris’ will have to be supremely focused in order to contain a potent Moneygall attack. Stephen Gavin and Roan Murphy will have their work cut out for them but with Peter Collins and Brian Dooley they possess players capable of punishing any side with their ability to surge clear out of defence and fire over long-range points.

Borrisokane possess a very capable midfield duo also with Liam Cleary and Jack Larkin capable of running the socks off any side. In attack Conor Ryan, Dylan Power, Kevin Cleary, Philip Austin and captain, Mike Heenan provide Borrisokane with a wealth of attacking options, but they will have to be on fire to pick apart a Moneygall defence boasting both seasoned and experienced campaigners and young, up and coming hurlers. Verdict: Borrisokane