(JJ Hurley)
Carrigaline hurlers face a massive test on Sunday next in Pairc Ui Chaoimh against Watergrasshill in the final of the CO-Op Superstore Premier Intermediate Hurling Final.
Having already suffered a defeat at the hands of their opponents in the opening round of the competition, team coach, Eddie Murphy knows the significant challenge facing his side in the final.
‘It is a tough game on Sunday, they have seven on the Imokilly panel, four who get regular game time, so they are a very formidable outfit.’ Eddie said.
‘They beat us in the first game of the championship, I know we were ahead but they are a very hard team to beat, they never give up, and they have a great spirit and they have some serious talent we know that.’
However, he’s confident in his own side's ability as he says two good teams will make for a good final.
It’s certainly been a tremendous season for the South County Club who have already landed two league titles in both hurling and football, as well as returning to the top table of Cork Senior Football, following victory in the county senior A championship.
Eddie has helped shoulder a lot of the success, bringing an impressive CV full of success to a club that has at times been perennial underachievers, particularly on the hurling front.
However, Eddie has great respect and faith in his side, who go into Sunday’s final as underdogs.
‘This year the players have been fantastic ambassadors for Carrigaline and whatever happens in the final the town should be very proud of them,’ Eddie remarked.
Since taking up the role in early 2024, Eddie said,’ I have been most impressed by their humility and their honesty, and they are bereft of egos.’
‘They love working hard, they love their club and they love their community.
‘It is a brilliantly run club, with six pitches, two with lights, it made my job easier when you come in and have this infrastructure in place, it’s absolutely incredible, you know.
With recent celebrations now having been parked, which had seen an open-top bus paraded through the town for the team and Eddie it has been back to work for the past two weeks.
‘They are good lads, they deserve their celebrations, it is not every day you win a county, dual players have been playing week in, week out,’ he said.
‘They have had very few weekends free all year, so they deserve their celebrations, but we have had two weeks to prepare for the final, and we got back at it.’
Acknowledging there is a great buzz in the town, he also acknowledged the support he received from the executive, including Philip and Donal O’Reilly and Harry O’Sullivan.
No doubt, along with the executive, the supporters will be hoping Eddie and the team can finish what has been a tremendous year for the Carrigdhoun outfit when they cross the white line on Sunday at 3.30pm
Carrigaline in action in the semi final win over Ballincollig (Bernard Laverty)
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