(JJ Hurley)
Ballinhassig and Carrigaline face off in the Co-Op Superstore Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship in Riverstick at 5.30pm in a winner’s takes all ¼ final on Saturday.
This local derby is expected to draw a huge interest not just from both sets of supporters but also many neutrals as only a puck of the ball is expected to separate the teams.
Having qualified through tough groups, both sides have at times played some excellent hurling, but both team's first day out in the championship were games to be forgotten about.
Ballinhassig will be without their team captain Ger Collins, who received a straight red card against Kilworth, but his brother, Pat, who has clocked up 1-4 from the goal line, continues to be in top form.
Missing from their ranks in the first game were the Cork U20 pairing of Adam and Darragh O’Sullivan, their inclusion since has certainly improved the Blue’s performance.
Carrigaline will not be afraid of their fellow South East opponents, having already being crowned league winners of the Co Op Superstore Division Two League, as they saw off the Barrs in the final of that competition.
Rob O’Shea and Brian Kelleher will again be expected to lead the line on Saturday, and their experience could be crucial in seeing Carrig advancing.
For team manager, Eddie Murphy, he said: ‘I am looking forward to it as It’s a local Derby, these games are always tight. It's going to be a tough game, but it's great to be involved.”
With both sides having a number of injury doubts, Eddie reflects on the fact that Carrig do not have a huge panel, but the players have made a massive effort, particularly those playing in the dual ranks.
“The players have shown great heart, even in the recent encounter with Castlemartyr, who threw the kitchen sink at them,” he said.
Facing Murphy on the line is Peter Brennan, a man tasked with Ballinhassig securing silverware for the first time since 2012.
Like Eddie, Peter admits a Derby game can take on a life of its own.
“We haven’t met a lot over the years. Look, we know what they are about, they secured a big promotion to division one of the league.
“Every championship game you have to respect your opponents, Carrigaline got out of a tough group, and they were missing players too,” said Peter.
As for the lack of success for the Blues, Peter said: “It is talked more about by the supporters, but look we have been in ¼ finals and semi-finals we have never been that far away.”
However, now he says the team is only focused on Saturday.
Promises to be a great encounter, with only the brave or fool hardy individual predicting the winner.
Rob O'Shea who could have a big say in Saturday's big clash (Credit Bernard Laverty)
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