Evening Echo
by John O'Regan
Wednesday, 28th July 2002

For the second time this year, the Cork County SHC has produced a clash which will wet the appetites of the North Cork hurling aficionados.

On Sunday, Avondhu will face Newtownshandrum to decide who will claim a precious spot in this year's Cork hurling showpiece.

It is a tie that, on paper, promises much. But that was also said prior to the meeting of Avondhu and Ballyhea in the previous round. That game failed to live up to expectations and a disappointing Ballyhea crumbled to an 11 points defeat at the hands of the dominant divisional side.

However, the tale of the tape suggests that this game will not flop in a similar fashion. And it is anyone's guess as to who can deliver the knock-out blow.

Avondhu certainly have the benefit of experience on their side. Six of their panel for the clash with Ballyhea; Diarmuid Lynch, Fergal McCormack, Johnny Walsh, Dave Moher, Shane Killeen and Will Twomey, were involved in the heroic side of 1996 that captured the county title for the first time in 30 years. In addition, Connor Hannon, who proved an inspirational figure at full-back that year, is now coach of the side.

While they still have the old guard to bring experience and stability, it seems to be the new breed that are grabbing the headlines this year. In particular the youthful full-forward line; Patrick Dineen of Mallow, Mervyn Gammell and John Quinlan of Charleville have been scoring freely.

The deft touch and guile of these players would torment any defence but Newtown will not afford them the same latitude as Ballyhea and Douglas did. Nevertheless how they perform will have a big bearing on the outcome of the game.

Newtownshandrum have eclipsed the Avondhu side in recent years. Having contributed five members to the divisional panel in 1996 they went on to defeat them in 2000 before going on to win the competition outright.

For Newtown, the performance of their big three is vital. If the O'Connor twins and Pat Mulcahy can assert their considerable collective influence on the game from the outset then it will be difficult for Avondhu.

However, Newtown are far from exclusively reliant on these three. They too have young stars who are eager to make their mark. John Paul King has already shown he has the pace and skill to trouble any side while John O'Connor is making a big impact this season.

One must fancy Newtown as having the slight edge going into this encounter. They faced the better quality of opposition this year, including Erin's Own and Sarsfields.

But Avondhu are not to be taken lightly and, having experienced a few lean years following '96 they seem ready to launch an assault for honours this season.

Whoever emerges to take their place in the final, it is certain that the victory will be a hard-fought one.

A thrilling game is in prospect.