INTERMEDIATE: The 'West's Awake' as neighbours prepare to battle it out for county title

FBD Insurance Intermediate Hurling Championship final - Preview

Golden Kilfeacle vs Knockavilla Kickhams in Cashel, Saturday, October 25 @ 3:30pm

By James Hayden

West Tipperary has most definitely been awake over the past couple of weeks as anticipation grows ahead of a hugely anticipated county Intermediate hurling decider between near-neighbours and fierce rivals Knockavilla Kickhams and Golden Kilfeacle.

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The air will crackle with anticipation as two proud hurling parishes lock horns this weekend in a bid to secure county honours and promotion to the Premier Intermediate ranks of hurling in the Premier County, not to mention the local bragging rights.

A much-coveted county 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.

Kickhams arrive with the wind of momentum in their sails and a point to prove following a comprehensive performance in their semi-final victory over a fancied Borrisokane side. Gunning for their first title since 1992 the men in black and amber boast a blend of exciting young talent and experienced campaigners.

Players like the dynamic Adam Daly and the energetic Stephen Browne provide a fulcrum around which a dangerous attack can revolve with Browne a constant scoring threat from play and placed balls. The industrious Paudie Slattery around midfield, and the steadying influence of Bill Creamer and captain Lorcan Carr 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.

Manager Paul O’Dwyer and selectors Adrian Crosse and Seamus O’Dwyer 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 Golden-Kilfeacle are sure to bring and to maintain composure if the game tightens in the final minutes.

For Golden Kilfeacle the memory of last year’s single point semi-final defeat to Ballingarry will be a powerful motivator on a day where many fancied Golden to progress to the county decider. Steeped in tradition and renowned for their never-say-die spirit, Golden exacted revenge for their West Intermediate final defeat to Cappawhite with an impressive 3-22 to 2-20 victory over the same opposition in the county semi-final.

Golden Kilfeacle present a formidable challenge as the ‘Fontenoys’ aim to land only their second ever county intermediate hurling title, with their first coming back in 1995 with a convincing 2-12 to 0-4 victory over Cahir.

Their game has always been built on trademark grit, defensive solidity, and maximising scoring opportunities. In players like the talismanic Jack Leamy, whose free-taking accuracy and leadership are crucial, the combative Ben Currivan at midfield, the warhorse Shane O’Connell on the edge of the square and the rock-solid Niall Heffernan marshalling the defence, Golden possess match winning campaigners who will relish the big occasion.

Manager Brian Leamy and coach, Tony Shelly 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 obvious qualities and their second half performance put down a marker for all to see with Sam Hall and Seanie O’Halloran in sparkling form as they put paid to what was a stiff Cappawhite challenge.

Key battles and tactical nuances will define this game with the engine room battle between Ben Currivan and Adam Daly while Golden will have to curtail the determined running of Stephen Browne and Michael Gleeson.

Shane O’Connell, Niall Heffernan and Sam Hall will face serious match ups in the guise of Davy Butler, Shane Buckley and Bill Creamer while Kickhams captain, Lorcan Carr will more than likely be assigned the task of marshalling an in-form Jack Leamy.

A big question is whether Golden can curtail Adam Daly’s influence on the game, after the county U-20 star landed seven points from play in their semi-final victory over Borrisokane. Assigning a tight marker and limiting fouls in scoring range is paramount for the men in green and white with either Ben Currivan or Seanie O’Halloran likely to be handed the role of curtailing Daly.

Knockavilla Kickhams will seek to move the ball quickly, exploiting space and using their pace. Golden will aim to engage physically and force turnovers in the tackle, particularly in attack, where Sam Hall, Josh Keane and Eanna Ormond will hunt Kickhams at every opportunity.

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 but 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 Tipperary county intermediate final day.

One thing is guaranteed, we will witness a passionate, full-blooded encounter befitting the prestige of the county Intermediate hurling crown.

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