Portumna in no mood for mercy against Dunloy

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

REIGNING All-Ireland club champions Portumna boast a clean bill of health ahead of their semi-final showdown against Dunloy at Parnell Park on Sunday (2:30pm).

But manager Johnny Kelly and his management team do have somewhat of a selection headache, as hardworking wing-forward Niall Hayes will miss the clash through suspension. Hayes, somewhat unfortunately, received his marching orders against Loughrea in the county decider, and, consequently, must serve his one-match ban in this competition.

He will, though, line out earlier in the day for Galway senior hurlers at the same venue as the Tribesmen face Dublin in the Walsh Cup decider. No doubt, that should keep Hayes sharp, but it has left a selection dilemma as Kelly seeks to fill the right half-forward position.

There are three front-runners for the berth. Ciaran Ryan – a real goal-getter for Portumna in their 2008/’09 campaign – and the experienced David Canning both look to be the safe options, but if Kelly is tempted to take a chance on another young player – as he did with Martin Dolphin last year – then 21-year-old Conor O’Hare could be in line for a call-up.

Other than that, there should be little change from the side that demolished Loughrea on a scoreline of 5-19 to 1-12 in the 2009 county final. Ivan Canning will line out between the posts, with Aidan O’Donnell, Eugene McEntee and Ollie Canning forming the full-back line partnership.

Garret Heagney, Michael Ryan and Peter Smith should make up the half-back line, while Eoin Lynch and captain Leo Smith will undoubtedly renew a midfield partnership which has served Portumna so well in recent times.

Centre-half forward Kevin ‘Chunky’ Hayes will spearhead the attack, with Andrew Smith flanking him on the left wing. As noted, the right-half forward position is up for grabs, but one scenario could see the versatile Martin Dolphin move from corner forward to wing-forward to accommodate any of the leading contenders for the then vacant position in the corner.

In any event, the inside threat will be posed by Damien Hayes and Joe Canning, both of whom were in scintillating form for the club in last year’s championship. In the county final alone, Hayes finished with a whooping 3-3 from play, while Joe Canning hit an incredible 1-10, all from placed balls.

Indeed, Canning looks to have carried that form into 2010, scoring 3-8 (3-3 from play) in LIT’s 3-14 to 1-6 round robin Fitzgibbon Cup win against UCC in the Mardyke recently. Praising his full-forward, manager Kelly said: “In fairness to Joe, he has been working very hard, be it with Portumna or the college or by himself, which a lot of the other guys have been doing as well. Joe did very well for LIT last week, but, then again, Joe might not get the same freedom against Dunloy. If that happens, then it will be up to the other guys around him to provide.”

Another impressed with Canning’s early season from was captain Leo Smith. “Sure, it is better he is getting,” said the Portumna midfielder. “He is something special alright. Every day, he goes out, there is pressure on him to perform and he never lets anybody down. Be it training or a challenge match with Portumna, he never misses any of those and he always gives it 110%. His work-rate is phenomenal and you often see him tracking back. He has a great attitude, which is exactly what you need.”

No doubt, the form of Canning – along with that of Damien Hayes – will not only be crucial to a Portumna victory against Dunloy, but also to any hopes of the reigning champions securing a coveted, unprecedented three-in-a-row of All-Ireland club titles.

For more, read page 56 of this week’s Connacht Tribune.