by John Horgan
Evening Echo
Tuesday, 27th August 2002

Johathan O'Callaghan and Austin Walsh have given the Avondhu management a selection poser ahead of next Sunday's permanent tsb Cork Co Senior Hurling Championship semi-final against Newtownshandrum at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

The pair were absent for the quarter-final victory over Ballyhea, O'Callaghan was in the US while Walsh was on the injury list for the game.

Their availability now for this all North Cork showdown strengthens Avondhu's hand considerably as they seek revenge on the side that defeated them in the 2000 campaign on a treacherous Saturday night in Charleville.

Queitly, and without hardly any fuss they have arrived at this juncture and if there's one worry about them next Sunday it's the fact that in their three games they have yet to be really tested.

Castlelyons, Douglas and Ballyhea were all easily disposed of and the true worth of this Avondhu side won't be revealed until after this examination by the 2000 champs.

Johnny Keane, the team boss in 2000, is now a selector and alongside Conor Hannon foms a formidable partnership.

"Having Jonathan and Austin back is a big boost but it gives us a bit of selection headache," he said.

"We have a full squad now to choose from and we are as ready for this game as we'll ever be.

"It's fair to say that we have had it fairly easy up to now and this will be our biggest test.

"There's plenty of confidence among the players but Newtownshandrum are a different proposition altogether and we don't know enough about ourselves yet.

"There is a great team spirit and sense of purpose among the players and a determination among everybody to get back into a final again," Keane added.

"We have five of the 1996 panel still going strong and Conor Hannon remembers the day very well for all the right reasons.

"Two years ago they beat us by a point but we had 17 wides that night in Charleville.

"We realise we have to step up a few gears for this challenge and we'll have to stop the supply of ball into their attack.

"Pat Mulcahy was hugely instrumental in their win over Erins Own and he cannot be allowed to dictate like he did in that game."

It remains to be seen whether O'Callaghan and Walsh will start but it's odds on that the former will get the nod.

O'Callaghan lined out in a challenge with Ahane over the weekend and it will be difficult to omit a proven scoring forward at this level.