Whitechurch looking to create history with first junior A hurling crown

WHITECHURCH will bid to go into the history books on Sunday when they attempt to win the Sportsturf Solutions Junior A Hurling Championship for the first time since their foundation in 1904.

The last, and only, time that Whitechurch competed in a final was in 1997 where they lost to Na Piarsaigh.

Ballinlough is sure to attract a bumper crowd as Brian Dillon’s will hoping to stop their fourth consecutive defeat in the decider of this championship.

It has been a wonderful season for Whitechurch that saw them easily account for Mayfield and Delany before a quarter-final against Nemo Rangers saw them brush aside the champions with relative ease before getting the better of Passage in an epic semi final.

It has been evident this season the appointment of Brendan O’Driscoll as coach has helped Whitechurch and he is looking forward to this final.

“There is an exuberance of enjoyment among this Whitechurch side that have 12 U21 players in the starting line-up and it would be great if I could tell you the improvement is down to my coaching but that’s not the case as all I brought was structure and discipline to the set up,” said Brendan O’Driscoll.

In the semi-final Whitechurch trailed by seven points after six minutes but in the style of a good side they battled back to win by the minimum.

“To be honest, I was thinking we were in a little trouble but credit to the lads they kept plugging on and thankfully got the vital scores to edge Passage,” added O’Driscoll.

The Whitechurch chief is very experienced in Cork GAA Circles and knows the quality of their opponents in this final.

“I think Brian Dillon’s will come at us hard in the opening 15 minutes as they will want to put us away and on the other side of the coin they have some wonderful hurlers that I totally respect.

“Darragh Brosnan is one of the best hurlers in Junior hurling and I know Darragh Rodgers from development squads over the years and just like many of his teammates they all have a true pedigree in this sport.”

On a final note O’Driscoll believes his side will enjoy the occasion.

“Dillons will under more pressure to win having lost the previous three finals but my lads haven’t a care in the world as they have taken baby steps all season.

“Let’s hope the Whitechurch community get behind this young team who will need plenty of support against this top-class Dillon’s side.”

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES

SUNDAY

Sports Turf Solutions JBFC: Lough Rovers v Nemo Rangers, Ballinlough, 1.30pm.

Sports Turf Solutions JAHC final: Whitechurch v Brian Dillons, Ballinlough, 3.30pm.

MONDAY

Sports Turf Solutions JCFC final: Ballinure v Rathpeacon, Ballinlough, 7pm.