1. Brian O’Driscoll (Cork – Tadgh MacCarthaigh)
Cork’s captain can create a little slice of history if they win tomorrow night. He’s bidding to land his fourth Munster U21 football medal, a feat that would see him join a select club. In 2012 he came on as a sub in the final replay win over Kerry while still eligible for the minor ranks.
For the last two years he has been a key fixture for the Cork U21 side and his strong, combative displays have seen him graduate to the county senior setup. His level of experience will be crucial tomorrow. O’Driscoll showed what influence he can exert with a powerful last quarter display in the recent Munster semi-final win over Kerry.
2. Steven O’Brien (Tipperary – Ballina)
O’Brien has ticked an array of impressive boxes in his GAA career to date. An All-Ireland minor football winner in 2011, he shone in the hurling stakes the following year when he picked up a Croke Cup medal with Nenagh CBS and claimed an All-Ireland minor success with Tipperary.
For the last two years he’s come up just short with the county U21 footballers as they’ve lost Munster finals against Cork. An outstanding midfielder, O’Brien also made his mark on the DCU team that won the Sigerson Cup this spring.
3. Sean White (Cork – Clonakilty)
Centre-back on the Cork U21 team that lifted the Munster U21 crown last year, White is an important figure in their defensive structure. Showed his worth in the second-half of that tight and tense semi-final against Kerry with his forceful running helping to break the Kingdom’s resolve.
White is still eligible for the U21 ranks next year and has a bright future. He got game time for the UCC team that reached the Sigerson Cup decider this year and also received his call-up papers to Brian Cuthbert’s Rebel senior squad.
4. Colin O’Riordan (Tipperary – JK Brackens)
Tipperary captain O’Riordan is an injury concern after suffering a concussion in last Sunday week’s senior league tie with Sligo. He would be a major loss for the Premier if he’s ruled unavailable. Ever since he burst onto the scene as a 15 year-old on Tipperary’s 2011 All-Ireland minor winning side, O’Riordan has demonstrated what a key asset he is.
Last year he was an Allstar nominee in his first season as a senior player and in February, he starred at midfield for the UCD team that won the All-Ireland Freshers Football title. If he’s available for selection tonight, it’ll be a massive boost for Tipperary.
5. Stephen Cronin (Cork – Nemo Rangers)
Similar to his colleague White, Cronin was at the heart of Cork’s U21 defensive effort last year and is still underage again next year. A disciplined defender and clever with his usage of the ball, he slots in well at corner-back. Cronin’s older brother Alan also had plenty success at this level as he was corner-back on the victorious Cork Munster U21 sides in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
6. Jason Lonergan (Tipperary – Clonmel Commercials)
Tipperary fell short by four points in last year’s Munster U21 final in Páirc Uí Rinn with Clonmel Commercials player Michael Quinlivan their best forward on the night. His clubmate Jason Lonergan came on as a sub in that game and tomorrow night his input is likely to be vital.
In Tipperary’s semi-final success over Clare last month, Lonergan chipped in with a valuable haul of 0-5 and with injuries ruling out several key Premier forwards, the home fans will hope he can replicate that.
