1. Gort looking to upset the history books
The Gort-Ballyhale semi-final is a repeat of the 1984 decider between the sides, which Ballyhale won after a replay. That was the only time from three previous attempts that Galway kingpins Gort managed to get past the semi-final stage.
Gort reached the penultimate stage of the club championship three years ago but suffered semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Coolderry. Once again, Leinster opposition awaits them in the form of star-studded Ballyhale, who boast Henry Shefflin, TJ Reid, James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick and the Fennelly brothers, Michael and Colin, in their ranks.
Gort couldn’t have asked for a stiffer test as they continue to harbour hopes of a maiden All-Ireland success. But Galway clubs have won six of the last nine All-Ireland club titles on offer and the galaxy of stars in Ballyhale colours won’t overawe them.
2. Portaferry aiming to emerge from the shadows
Down and Ulster champions Portaferry have to travel to Mullingar for their All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Kilmallock. Having won their very first Ulster title, with victory over Antrim’s Cushendall, Portaferry now continue their voyage into uncharted waters.
The bookies don’t fancy Portaferry’s chances, with the Mourne men priced at 15/2 to upset the odds against Kilmallock. An Ulster club has won this competition twice – with Loughgiel Shamrocks victorious on both occasions – but Portaferry will hope to change that.
Paul Braniff is arguably their best-known player and a prolific scoring forward. Underage stars Eoghann Sands and Conor Coulter are other players to watch out for. The previous eight All-Ireland club finalists from Ulster have all hailed from Antrim, which gives you some indication of the challenge that lies ahead for rank outsiders Portaferry.
3. Can Kilmallock end Limerick’s long wait for All-Ireland glory?
Continuing the historical theme, it’s 22 years since a Limerick team last contested an All-Ireland senior club hurling final, when Galway outfit Sarsfields beat Kilmallock. An even more damning statistic for Shannonside aficionados is that no Limerick club team in history has managed to lift the Tommy Moore Cup.
Kilmallock will feel that they’re in with a decent chance, having come through a competitive Munster campaign to reach the last four of the All-Ireland series. Kilmallock, managed by Limerick club specialist and former Clare star Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin, beat a fancied Na Piarsaigh team in the county final before coming through extra-time epics against Cork’s Sarsfields and Clare champions Cratloe in the provincial series.
Limerick ace Gavin O’Mahony is ruled out through suspension but the presence of free scoring Bryan O’Sullivan, Paudie O’Brien, Jake Mulcahy, Graeme Mulcahy and Eoin Ryan should compensate for his loss.
4. King Henry and Ballyhale hunting more St Patrick’s Day silverware
Ballyhale Shamrocks are the most successful team in the history of the All-Ireland club hurling championship, having tasted Tommy Moore Cup glory on five occasions. This is the eighth semi-final for Ballyhale and they’ve won six of previous seven semi-finals.
Ballyhale won’t be particularly bothered by the presence of Galway opposition in the All-Ireland series, as they beat Portumna and Loughrea in the 2010 and 2007 Croke Park finals respectively.
The calibre of player in the Ballyhale team has already been referenced above and the presence of Tipperary pair Andy Moloney and Colm Bonnar in their management team has really freshened things up. But Ballyhale will be wary of a Gort team that dethroned 2014 All-Ireland champions Portumna in the Galway county final in December.
On paper, and with the bookmakers, Ballyhale are the hot tip to advance and if ‘King’ Henry Shefflin and co are firing on all cylinders, it’s difficult to make a case for Gort.
5. Men in the middle
Wicklow referee John Keenan will take charge of Kilmallock and Portaferry. For Keenan, it’s a chance to exorcise any lingering demons from last year’s All-Ireland junior final replay, when he came in for huge criticism from Ballysaggart for sending off Kieran Bennett.
The player’s father Pat questioned why GAA chiefs would allow a Wicklow man to take charge of such a big game but Croke Park top brass obviously have faith in Keenan’s top-level credentials, handing him a senior club hurling semi-final.
Tipperary whistler Johnny Ryan is no stranger to big club matches, having refereed the 2011 All-Ireland club final between Clarinbridge and O’Loughlin Gaels. Respected as one of hurling’s top officials, Ryan has a reputation for letting the game flow but he’s not shy to make big calls either, as demonstrated by his decision to send off Clare’s Podge Collins and Brendan Bugler during last year’s All-Ireland qualifiers against Wexford.
- Originally published Friday 17.00
