Evening Echo
by John Horgan
Saturday, 17th August 2002

Newtownshandrum are the fancy of many, as the only side capable of halting Blackrock in their tracks from taking back-to-back tsb permanent Cork Co SHC titles.

Their forecasted final meeting is some distance off yet and if the likes of Erin's own have their way it will never materialise.

Kilworth is where they renew acquaintances with the side tha defeated them in the county final of 2000 and, after their defeat of Cloyne last weekend, there's a quite air of optimism pervading in Caherlag that the tables can be turned.

But Newtown are the favourites and it's difficult to put up an argument against that.

They still have the majority of the side that won a historic county a short time ago while Erin's Own have put the faith in the younger brigade.

Therefore, in terms of experience, there shold be only one winner. But then again anyone who dismisses Erin's own would be doing so at grave peril.

They will be steeled considerably by the win over Cloyne and if their backs perform as admirably as they did against them, with Timmy Kelleher and Tony O'Keeffe in sublime form, they won't make it easy for the O'Connor brothers and company to work effectively.

However, in front of goal there will have to be a more penetrative return this time around, only 1-3 from play against Cloyne in the replay won't suffice this time.

Cian O'Connor did an excellent man marking job on Diarmuid O'Sullivan and it's likely he'll pick up Ben O'Connor this time.

There's no doubt that the O'Connor boys hold most of the aces. If they get any latitude at all then the consequences could be dire for Erins Own.

Therefore, it's imperative that the suplly of ball is cut off to Newtown's dynamic duo.

If it is we could have a very interesting ball game.

However, overall, the North Cork side appear to be that more balanced and if Pat Mulcahy, Phil Noonan, Mike Morrissey and JP King are on form, then they'll win.