Corofin manager Douglas Hurley believes his side’s intermediate final with Kildysart has all the ingredients to be a classic.
“We both did well in our semi finals so it’s all set up for a cracker. It could turn in to a shootout. We hope we get better weather than what they got for the intermediate hurling final. It should be a good game for the neutrals but we know it will be a huge battle.”
Although Kildysart have experienced their fair share of painful defeats in finals, Corofin have recent heartache after falling at this stage to St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield last year.
“Every year is different but there was a lot of hurt there. The lads can use it as motivation if they like but we’ve come in and tried to just focus on this year. We controlled one half of that game last year so we have to try and control the full game against Kildysart.”
Hurley knows now is the time for Corofin to make the step up to senior especially with Cooraclare and Kilrush Shamrocks both relegated to intermediate for 2022.
“We had a 10 year period of stability at senior before yo-yoing up and down. If we get out we are as well equipped to survive and be competitive.
“With Cooraclare and Kilrush (Shamrocks) coming down it won’t get any easier.”
Hurley insists that when discussing finals, previous form can be discounted. His side have impressed when firing three goals past Michael Cusacks and O’Currys in their two knockout games. However, they come up against a miserly Kildysart defence who have not conceded a single goal in their five Championship games to date.
“We have been scoring goals but on the other hand they haven’t been conceding them. They have a meaner defence than anyone we have faced so far so something has to give.”

by Ivan Smyth