*David Fitzgerald’s fitness is a big concern for Inagh/Kilnamona. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
A very tight affair is predicted for Sunday’s Clare SHC final between Ballyea and Inagh/Kilnamona with the fitness of Aidan McCarthy and David Fitzgerald cited as influential in determining the outcome.
Sixmilebridge’s Seadna Morey gives the nod to Inagh-Kilnamona to win their first title at this level. “We didn’t face either of them this year but they both have impressed en route to the final. Over recent years Inagh/Kilnamona have been developing at minor and under 21 levels. We played them two years ago in the semi-final and we were lucky to get over the line”.
“In saying that, you cannot write off Ballyea but Tony Kelly’s absence is a massive loss to them. If they can keep Aidan McCarthy and David Fitzgerald quiet you never know what might happen. It’s worrying for Inagh/Kilnamona thatMcCarthy and Fitzgerald have picked up injuries at this stage of the season and if they lose out it will level the playing field. Knowing both they will do everything they can to be ready for the game and all hurling followers will want to see two full strength teams in action. That’s what you want, no excuses. If Inagh/Kilnamona have McCarthy and Fitzgerald fit they will carry the favourites tag”.
Morey noted, “county final day is a huge occasion and this is a first at senior level for Inagh-Kilnamona. It will be up to their management to ensure that they are ready and that they are not playing the occasion. Ballyea have massive experience in that area. They know that if they are still in the hunt going into the last five minutes they have the experience and the leaders to make sure. A first final is massive for a parish, there is a massive build up and it will be interesting to see how Inagh/Kilnamona approach it”.
He referenced Inamona’s Minor A victory on Sunday, “whatever is happening up there they are doing it right. That’s what any club wants, building and aiming towards senior”. Overall he expects a close tie but believes Inagh/Kilnamona will be narrowly ahead at the final whistle.
Kilmaley captain Mikey O’Neill has seen both sides at first hand this year and he also expects a very close game on Sunday. Tony Kelly will be “a huge loss on the field” but will have a big influence on the sideline. “He will see things that others mightn’t see. Having him in any capacity will be a huge boost”.
Ballyea’s track record of winning two titles will be helpful, O’Neill said but referenced the big-day experience of Inagh/Kilnamona players such as 2013 All-Ireland winning goalkeeper, Pa Kelly.
The Ruan based primary school teacher believes that much will depend on the fitness of Aidan McCarthy and David Fitzgerald. “If they are out the advantage would switch to Ballyea. We played both and lost by two points and one point. That shows that they are extremely well matched and well balanced”, he said.
“They are two leaders and if they are to miss the game I would tip Ballyea to get over the line. They have the experience of winning and you can’t buy that. They are in a privileged position. They are used to winning tight county finals and they have great leaders in Jack (Browne), Paul (Flanagan) and Gary Brennan who has been getting up and down the field comfortable in both codes all year. If McCarthy and Fitzgerald aren’t at full fitness then Ballyea can get over the line,” O’Neill added.
Clare captain, John Conlon remarked that Inagh/Kilnamona were the form team all year. “They got through the group of death, they have a new management this year and they seem to have a team working for each other. From speaking to the lads, they are really impressed with the management,. They know they have the talent and have fallen short on big days in the past. They have been in a lot of tight games. To win you need luck and it seems to be on their side this year”, the Shannon based school teacher said. “They can’t write off Ballyea, they have been there at the business end of things. They have vast experience with inter co footballers and hurlers in their line up”.
Commenting on the absence of Tony Kelly the Clonlara man pointed out “they lost Paul Flanagan to injury a few season’s back but he was active with them behind the scene and Tony is doing the same now. They will be inspired to win for him. He has given them many great days and they will want to return the favour”.
“This is a local derby and it will be a tense tight affair. Inagh/Kilnamona have been through a lot of hard games and I feel that they will sneak over the line at the end of one hell of a battle. McCarthy and Fitzgerald will do their utmost to be ready for the final. Look there are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes and we will have a better understanding of things come Sunday”.
Asked if the pressure of playing in a first senior final will be an issue for Inagh-Kilnamona, Conlon said “there is nothing to lose and it can be a blessing in disguise. We won our first title in 2008, the novelty of playing in a first final, the excitement in the area adds to it, They have been through a lot of hardship, they qualified from a hard group, they have had the hardest run by far They have used their bench really well. I have a suspicion they will come out on top”.
Two-time All Star, Brendan Bugler described the final as “an interesting pairing”. “We are all waiting to hear news on the fitness of David Fitzgerald and Aidan McCarthy. They have been colossus for Inagh-Kilnamona all year. They would be two huge losses and if they are missing it nearly cancels out Tony’s loss for Ballyea”.
The St. Flannan’s College teacher detailed, “Ballyea are seasoned, they have the experience of county final day before, the further they go the better they get. They are a fair outfit when they get their players training together. They have gone from strength to strength in every game”.
Momentum is on Inagh/Kilnamona’s side, he highlighted. “They haven’t lost a game this year, they are formidable. It is very hard to call but if I have to call it I would say Ballyea have huge experience. The weather will play a big part at this time of the year when teams are looking for season campaigners Ballyea have a know how to win very tight games. They have unearthed two fine players this year in corner forwards Mossy Gavin and Aaron Griffin. They weren’t there when they won before. In addition they have Cathal O’Connor in this year and his direct running and physicality is a plus. Inagh/Kilnamona have found a way to not lose games this year. It would be easier to give a view if we knew about the fitness of the Inagh/Kilnamona duo but I believe that Ballyea’s experience will see them edge a tight contest.
