In brief, my take on games down the Pairc today. Mallow just didn't have the quality up front when it comes down to it, or the bravery either to be honest. Thought they could have gone for it a bit more. Still, they are on the up so wouldn't be hard on them. They could be contenders IF they keep working on things. Minors in a P1 final again tomorrow night. Nemo were Nemo. They were very much in control for the most part and they are getting the most out of themselves. Mark Cronin and Kerrigan showed their class. They'll need to do the same and more in the final.
Speaking of, if the Haven can replicate their form again in the final I think they'll take beating. 4/5 years ago I'd be thinking if they lost Conor and Damien to injury and Michael Hurley was barely fit - which looked the case from my seat - then they'd be up against it. The fact they dominated completely and were much the better team says a lot about them and the work done down there. Unfortunately the opposite would have to be said about the Barrs. Despite having plenty time to work on football with no hurling, they've looked average or below largely lately. Their approach at times today would draw criticism for good Junior club. Some of their turnovers and their whole approach to kickouts was just ineptitude at this level. Maguire and a few central players aren't getting any younger so I'd worry a bit for the mid term future prospects in football for them unless things pick up dramatically.
For the Haven - they are so well drilled now it's very hard to get at them. Brian Hurley is worth paying in to see alone. Some fantastic scores kicked again today. Jack Cahalane and Cathal Maguire showed flashes of class. But it's just their discipline to stay in shape and try to support each other 100% of the time that impressed me. They will be hard to beat I think, but if there's one crowd to do it..
In any case, it's the expected final again. I hope to god that everyone is fit on both sides and we get a good contest at least. The Covid final I seem to recall was a decent game so hopefully that will be revisited. And then we have Crokes/Dingle v Haven/Nemo to look forward to which is a good prospect also!