Beat wishes to Fr. O’Neill’s and Russell Rovers in All-Ireland Final

Saturday January 18

AIB All Ireland Club Intermediate Hurling Final

Fr O’Neills (Cork) v Tullaroan (Kilkenny), Croke Park, 6pm

It has been a most rewarding stint for Fr O’Neills and Tullaroan who both hit Croke Park dripping with intent and belief.

Fr O’Neills investment in the underage ranks means accomplished adult teams are now being fielded.

That so many players have performed so well for Cork at various levels adds to the sense of excitement.

Declan Dalton will take minding, while the Millericks and Daniel Harrington have also contributed handsomely to Fr O’Neills rise.

The Cork outfit, though, will be fully aware of the talent in Tullaroan’s ranks.

With the Walsh brothers dotted throughout the field the Kilkenny and Leinster champions bring a formidable team to the capital.

Unfortunate not to secure Kilkenny glory recently Tullaroan finally earned silverware last October and a provincial title has been added to the list.

Conahy Shamrocks (Kilkenny) v Russell Rovers (Cork), Croke Park, 4pm

Conahy Shamrocks response to losing the Kilkenny Junior Championship Final against O’Loughlin Gaels second team has been emphatic.

A Leinster title and an All Ireland Semi-Final victory ensures the James Bergin powered outfit will feel that further glory can be attained at Croke Park.

Russell Rovers were within seconds of exiting the competition at the penultimate stage.

Brian Hartnett remained cool and calm, though, as Mícheál Breathnach’s were on the verge of taking a serious scalp in Kilmallock.

In extra-time Russell Rovers’ class was evident and this decider is expected to be close and particularly hard fought