Three Key Battles: Can Nemo break the Castlehaven clean sheet streak?
Jim Of Ahead Alan Battles: The Cathal picture: Castlehaven, Maguire, Sfc Final Key Coughlan O'donovan, Three Nemo Rangers And
It is over three months since Clonakilty’s Fergal Murphy sent a high ball into Darragh Cahalane’s square. Ross Mannix steered the break over the line for a rare green flag. In their three subsequent games, Castlehaven didn’t concede a single goal. Steven Sherlock did come close last time out only for his shot to hit the post.
Nemo Rangers produced two goals in the semi-final and added another two against Newcestown earlier this season. They must continue that trend this weekend. It should be said, while their 0-9 total in the 2023 decider is unlikely to be sufficient, they did create a host of chances. In the end, what cost them was a 42% conversion rate. Already this week Robbie O’Dwyer spoke about their need to be clinical in attack.
No let-up. Brian Hurley’s scoring total for the championship so far is 0-24. Half of those points are from play. He finished with 0-5 in the final last year.
For O’Dwyer, the challenge is twofold. First, it is about the matchup. Eoin Nation has excelled in the full-back line this year after previously aiding their intermediates. Colin Molloy was a starter for the Cork U20s. Kevin O'Donovan’s experience and intercounty pedigree mean he is most likely to take on the task.
What about what happens around him? Jack Cahalane has proven to be a scoring threat while Michael Hurley’s 2023 exploits will also linger in the memory. Nemo Rangers cannot afford to focus solely on Brian Hurley. He is the most important danger, not the only one.
Castlehaven’s ability to manage the absence of Damien and Conor Cahalane in the semi-final was impressive. Damien had featured in each of their group games but then underwent a procedure on his knee. Conor has an ongoing hand issue. They both came on in the second half.
Despite that, the defending champions were still able to force St. Finbarrs long and won five kickouts. Mark Collins was an outstanding kickout option and continued to link the play in a masterful way.
Micheál Aodh Martin has enjoyed considerable success with his restarts so far, but Sunday should prove a formidable challenge. Neutrals are hoping for a better contest on Sunday. He already expects a greater challenge.
Last year’s final saw both sides concede the kickout, with the overwhelming majority going short. This time is set to be different.
“There is no getting around the fact, how well they have played all year,” said Martin in the buildup to the final.
“They seemed to have kicked on another gear. I know we were lucky enough to get a run and win a couple of Munsters in 2017 and 2019 and there is no doubt those winters training for big games brings you on. You are not just training; it is good high-level training for an extra few months. You can see that.”
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