Moycullen and Abbeyknockmoy in intriguing battle for intermediate silverware

MOYCULLEN and Abbeyknockmoy hurling clubs may be riding on the crest of a wave after securing promotion to the senior ranks for 2016, but there is still the matter of who will go up as champions when the pair meet in an intriguing county intermediate decider at Kenny Park, Athenry on Saturday (2pm).

Both chase their third title at this grade, with Moycullen winning their two in 1964 and 2011 and Abbeyknockmoy claiming the honours in 1971 and 1985. Although Moycullen have been installed as slight favourites, in truth, there should be little to separate these two sides.

What may stand to Moycullen is their experience of the occasion in 2011, when they shocked Killimordaly to win the title, and the majority of that starting 15 will again be in action on Saturday. These include Sean Rossa McDermott, Matt Donohoe, Seosamh O Fatharta, Mark, Pat and Phillip Lydon, Eanna Noone, Dan Kelly, Conor Bohan, Niall Mannion and Christopher Hurney.

This is not lost on manager John Faherty. “I think nearly all the team were playing in 2011 and Seamus Conneely and Eric Fox were subs. Apart from that, all of the starting team were involved in 2011 if not actually playing.

“However, it is all on the day. The lads have to be focused. It is knockout hurling; winner takes all. Both teams will be looking to go up as champions and there is also a Connacht series to look forward to and maybe further afield. That is the bonus as going up as champions. You don’t want to leave any doubt in your mind when you do go up.”

With former hero Morgan Darcy – who hurled with Galway and lined out for the club for 23 years, including making an appearance in the 2011 decider – getting involved in the backroom team, it has breathed new life into the set-up. “He is very, very professional. He knows his stuff,” says Faherty.

In addition to the hurling final, many of his players have also the task of preparing for a Connacht club football final just 24 hours later. It is some juggling act. “It will have some impact I suppose because there are a lot of lads involved. You have the likes of Matt Donohue, Conor Bohan and Mark Lydon.

“It is not ideal having to play two games the one weekend – the year is long enough – but that is the situation. When we had a talk about it, the boys said that it is a great situation to be in – to be in a county final on a Saturday and have to play a Connacht semi-final on the Sunday. It is a great reflection on the club and on the lads.”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.