England aims to get Moyne one step further

By Liam Hogan

GAA: FBD Insurance County Intermediate Hurling Final Preview

Kilsheelan/Kilcash v Moyne-Templetuohy

Littleton

Saturday 13th November

Throw-in @ 2.15pm (E.T.)

Referee: Philip Kelly (Ballinahinch)

By Liam Hogan

Twelve months on and Moyne-Templetuohy hope to erase the disappointment of losing last year’s County Intermediate Hurling Final to Gortnahoe-Glengoole.

This year, Kilsheelan-Kilcash stand in their way as the Mid champions hope to add a third title to the ones won in 1983 and 2014. Appearing in their sixth final since the turn of the century, losing four in 2001, 2004, 2013 and 2020, matched that of Thurles Sarsfields.

Wise men say you must lose one final to win one and with Gortnahoe/Glengoole out of the way Moyne were everybody’s favourites to take home the silverware this season.

Roscrea’s Liam England, who is in charge of Moyne for the second year, says the Mid men are better prepared this year and their performances are improving with every game leading to an easy thirteen win over Knockavilla Kickhams in the semi-final.

“I would not say easy,” said the Roscrea man.

“We got two goals in the first fifteen minutes, and it set the tone for us and made it hard for Knockavilla to get their foothold in the game.

“Our mantra all year has been about working hard and that stood us in good stet. The scoreboard might suggest an easy victory but when my men returned to the dressing room they were goosed. We used five subs as well and we have done that in every game.”

Kilsheelan/Kilcash stand in their way and they have really lit up the championship with a series of exciting displays including a good win over Ballinahinch in the quarter final and none better than their semi-final win over a fancied Moneygall side.

“I watched Kilsheelan in their win over Ballinahinch and the one thing about Ballinahinch they are a very hard-working team and well coached,” England added.

“Kilsheelan were impressive. We all know the kind of key players like Mark Kehoe and the two Mahers (Paul and Bill) in the half backline and even outside of that they are very balanced. I think the intensity and the fitness that comes from playing football has them in a really good place and I am not surprised with their victory over Moneygall.”

Except for the draw with Drom & Inch in round two of the group stage, the Mid champions have won every game convincingly.

“We all know the type of hurlers Moyne-Templetuohy have and the quality they have,” England added.

“At the beginning of the year, we examined what Moyne needed. I was coach with the team last year and now I am manager. I am lucky enough to have Offaly man Brian Carroll from Coolderry with me this year. He has really brought us to a new level and he demands savage workrate and it is something we have been working on over the past couple of months.

“I would like to think we are in a better place this year. Our lads were eighteen, nineteen years old last year. Now a year older they are a lot bigger and stronger and more explosive than this time.”

Just one hour stands in his way. Two contrasting styles. The stylish Kilsheelan/Kilcash playing in their first ever county intermediate final versus the tried and trusted Moyne-Templetuohy. Verdict: Kilsheelan/Kilcash