Kilshannig’s Jack Twomey says the excitement is palpable as his side prepares for the Hibernian Hotel Avondhu Junior A Hurling Championship final at Churchtown GAA Grounds on Saturday, with a 3.30 throw-in.
“It’s been a while since we were in this final, probably about three years. Back then, we fell short in the county championship, so getting back here has been a challenge. We’re really looking forward to it,” he said. Kilshannig narrowly lost to Erin’s Own after a dramatic extra-time replay in the 2022 County A Hurling final.
While the hurling team has been on a journey of redemption, the club’s footballers have enjoyed significant success in recent years, claiming both intermediate and premier county honours Twomey emphasises that balancing football and hurling has been crucial.
“It’s massive that we have so much buy-in from players across both codes. Many are playing both football and hurling, so it’s crucial that the two managers work closely together. That coordination gives us a lot of momentum,” he explained.
This year’s championship has been fiercely competitive and unpredictable. “It’s so open. Killavullen, the North Cork champions, barely made it out of their group, while Buttevant came through a tough group and exceeded expectations. Any team can beat anyone,” Kearney noted.
Looking ahead to the final, Twomey admits it’s hard to call. “It’s very 50/50. We’ve faced Dromina a lot over the last few years, and it’s always been a close contest.”
Analysts suggest a well-balanced, physically strong side may hold a slight edge, but as the semi-finals showed, nothing is ever guaranteed.
Kilshannig’s strength and fitness have allowed them to seize key moments, yet their opponents have consistently stayed in contention, proving that every second on the pitch will count.
