Borrisokane captain Philip Austin and Shannon Rovers Matt Tierney holding the Fr Hewitt Cup, the prize for Saturday’s North Intermediate Hurling Final. Photo: Bridget Delaney

Lower Ormond derby to excite the masses in North Intermediate Hurling Final

GAA: Kelly’s of Fantane North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship Final Preview

By James Hayden

BORRISOKANE v SHANNON ROVERS

MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan

Saturday, 12th July

Throw-in @ 7.00pm (E.T.)

Referee: Mark Gennery (Portroe)

The air will crackle with anticipation in Lower Ormond this Saturday evening as two proud hurling clubs, Borrisokane and Shannon Rovers, lock horns in a hugely anticipated North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship Final.

A much coveted divisional title awaits the victor in what promises to be a compelling clash defined by contrasting styles, fierce local pride, and the burning desire to erase recent disappointing campaigns.

Borrisokane arrive with the wind of momentum in their sails following a comprehensive performance in their semi-final victory over a fledgling Newport side.

Gunning for their first title since 2018 and their ninth in total, the men in green & white boast a blend of exciting young talent and experienced campaigners.

Players like the dynamic and evergreen Philip Austin and energetic Mike Heenan provide a fulcrum around which a dangerous attack can revolve with Oisin Larkin a constant scoring threat from play and placed balls.

The industrious Ciaran Foley around midfield, and the steadying influence of Shane Nevin and Brian Davis in defence form the core of a side playing with confidence and pace.

Furthermore, their semi-final victory was a statement, showcasing their ability to score heavily and absorb pressure when required.

However, the memory of 2023’s final defeat to Moneygall will be a powerful motivator on a day where many fancied Borris’ to lift the Fr. Hewitt cup.

Manager John Egan and coach Niall O’Meara have instilled a high-tempo, skilful brand of hurling this year. Their key strength lies in their movement off the shoulder, quick stickwork, and the ability to rack up scores from distance.

Questions remain, though, about their ability to withstand the intense physical battle Rovers are sure to bring and to maintain composure if the game tightens in the final minutes.

Shannon Rovers, steeped in tradition and renowned for their never-say-die spirit, present a formidable challenge as they aim to bring the Fr. Hewitt cup back to the parish for the first time since 2010.

Their game has always been built on trademark grit, defensive solidity, and maximising scoring opportunities.

In players like the talismanic Conal Moran, whose free-taking accuracy and leadership are crucial, the combative Marcus Esmonde at midfield, the warhorse Eamonn Hough on the edge of the square and the rock-solid George and Alan Hannigan marshalling the defence, Rovers possess seasoned campaigners who thrive on the big occasion.

Manager John Tierney and coach Jimmy Dunne have moulded a team that excels in the trenches – they relish the physical contest, are supremely organised defensively, and possess a ruthless edge in converting half-chances.

Their semi-final win was a testament to their battling qualities, grinding out a result over a dogged Portroe side when not at their fluent best. Like their opponents, Rovers, who are aiming for their tenth north intermediate title, carry the pain of recent final setbacks, most recently their defeat to Lorrha in the 2022 decider.

Their hunger for redemption is palpable and their challenge will be to match Borrisokane's pace and scoring power while imposing their own physical and tactical game plan.

Key battles and tactical nuances will define this game with the engine room battle between Marcus Esmonde and Ciaran Foley while Rovers will have to curtail the determined running of Mike Heenan and Mike Kelly.

Gary Ryan, Conor Ryan, and Philip Austin will face serious match ups in the guise of Alan Hannigan, George Hannigan, and Conor Ryan while Rovers captain Matt Tierney may be assigned to marshal an in-form Mike Heenan.

Can the Rovers curtail Oisin Larkin’s influence, both from frees and open play? Assigning a tight marker and limiting fouls in scoring range is paramount for the men in red and white with either Oisin McMahon or Jack O’Sullivan likely to be assigned the task of curtailing Larkin.

Borrisokane will look to move the ball quickly, exploiting space and using their pace. Rovers will aim to engage physically, and force turnovers in the tackle particularly in attack where Eamonn Hough, Michael Tierney and Austin Tierney will hunt Borris’ at every opportunity.

Can Rovers' experienced rearguard contain Borrisokane's multi-pronged attack? Conversely, can Borrisokane's sometimes more open defence withstand the direct, robust running of the Rovers forwards? These battles will be crucial in defining the outcome in a game where local pride is the overriding factor.

This isn't just any final. The proximity of the parishes guarantees an electric atmosphere and adds an extra layer of intensity to every challenge.

This final is exceptionally hard to call, embodying the classic "style vs. steel" narrative. Borrisokane's youthful exuberance and scoring potential are exciting, but Rovers' experience, defensive nous, and proven ability to win ugly in tight games make them formidable opponents. Expect a ferociously contested battle from the first whistle.

If Borrisokane can impose their pace, spread the scoring load, and weather the expected Rovers physical storm, their talent could shine through.

However, if Rovers succeed in making it a dogfight, frustrate Borrisokane's runners, and Eamonn Hough, Conal Moran and Marcus Esmonde all find their range, their resilience and big-game know-how might just tip the balance.

It promises to be a nail-biter, potentially decided by the finest of margins, a moment of individual brilliance, or the team that best handles the white-hot cauldron of a North final day.

One thing is guaranteed: MacDonagh Park in Cloughjordan will witness a passionate, full-blooded encounter befitting the prestige of the North Intermediate crown. Glory awaits.