The story of Kilshannig’s Junior A hurling championship campaign has been one of narrow margins, hardened resolve and an ability to squeeze victories from the tightest of situations. On Sunday afternoon in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, they return once more to the county final stage with unfinished business firmly on their minds.
This will be Kilshannig’s second Cork County Junior A Hurling Final appearance in three years, and while memories of the 2022 defeat linger, the motivation is clear: win, and finally put that disappointment to rest. Standing in their way is a formidable Ballinora side, five-time Muskerry champions, arriving with momentum and confidence of their own.
Speaking to Mallow & District Live, Kilshannig’s Jack Twomey was under no illusions about the scale of the task.
“Ballinora are a great team. They’ve won five Muskerry championships in a row and they’re coming in red hot. They’ve been putting up big scores and they’ve momentum from the football as well, but we’ll give it a rattle.”
For Kilshannig, the prize on offer carries special significance. While the club has enjoyed success at Junior B level in the past, a Junior A county title has never been secured.
“It would mean the world to us. There’s never been a Junior A county hurling title in this club. It would be massive if we could do it, and we are hoping to do so.”
Kilshannig’s campaign has been shaped by winter conditions and bruising contests, something Twomey feels plays to their strengths.
“We’re probably slowing every other team down so that’s probably helping us, we’re a big physical team. Any time you are playing this time of year, it is a great thing to be doing. We are going to to Pairc Ui Chaoimh, it’s a great field, this time of year it won’t make much of a difference, in a field like Pairc Ui Chaoimh, so we’ll be able to save our best for the biggest day”
The road to the final has been long, stretching back to August, but Twomey sees no downside.
“It’s a good complaint to have. If we weren’t here, we’d be knocked out like everyone else. We’re happy to be at this stage and hopefully we’ll get over the line.”
Kilshannig have repeatedly shown a refusal to yield, battling their way past sides like Clyda, Dromina, Ballinascarthy and Newmarket.
“Doubt never crept in. We’ve a massive never-say-die attitude and we’re battle-hardened. That’ll stand to us coming down the homestretch.”
As Avondhu representatives, Kilshannig will also be hoping to buck a recent trend that has seen divisional finalists fall just short.
“The last four of five finals, there’s been an Avondhu team in it. Only one has gotten over the line, hopefully we can buck that trend,” Twomey admitted. “Ballinora will be a massive test.”
And despite the grandeur of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the approach remains grounded.
“It’s just another game. We’ve played plenty of county finals in football down through the years. We’ve been there before, I don’t think you treat it any differently when its in a big stadium like Pairc Ui Chaoimh. It is very rare that you get to play there so you’ve to go up and enjoy it.”
