Premier SFC: Rory Maguire hoping it will be third time lucky against St Finbarr's

IT'S a decade since the Andy Scannell Cup passed the Viaduct bound for Castlehaven. 

The 2013 triumph was the Haven’s second consecutive title, and have come very close since those back-to-back county successes to adding to their five top flight honours having lost the 2015 and 2020 finals to Nemo Rangers and also being defeated at the semi-final stage to St Finbarr’s in the last two seasons, a team they lock horns with tomorrow at the same juncture in the Bon Secours Hospital Premier SFC in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 4pm.

Castlehaven will be hoping it will be third time lucky against the Togher outfit in what is the fourth consecutive semi-final meeting, with the Haven’s last triumph coming against the Barrs back in 2020 on penalties. 

Castlehaven defender Rory Maguire, who was recently nominated for this year’s football All-Stars following a solid season with the Cork footballers, is confident the Haven have what it takes to reach a first decider in three seasons. 

“We are really looking forward to this big game,” says the 24-year-old. 

“We are used to meeting St Finbarr’s by now, fourth season on the bounce. The last three games have been really good matches, three huge battles both physically and mentally. The encounters over the last few years have gone down to the wire and I would expect no different this time around. The Barrs have had the upper hand in the last two meetings so the aim is to level up the series now.

“I think we are in a stronger place this year to get over the Barrs. We are after bringing through a lot of young players this season. We have more depth to our panel and we will need everyone to be at their best.” 

Penalties have decided two of the last three games between the familiar foes, so have the Haven been practising spot kicks?

“Now a days a knockout game can go to extra-time and penalties so you have to plan for every eventuality and we feel we are ready in terms of those sectors, if it comes to it.” 

James McCarthy’s side have been bubbling along nicely in 2023 with their level of performances increasing with each passing game. They topped their championship group with five points, a draw with Carbery Rangers, a game they could have lost then a satisfactory performance in the six-point win over Valley Rovers followed by a two-point success over Clonakilty in the final group match. Even though it wasn’t a complete performance in the win over Ballincollig in the quarter-finals as it finished 0-14 to 1-8, some of the Haven’s football in that one was sublime most notably in the first-half playing against the wind. Maguire hopes everything is falling into place at just the right time.

“There is definitely something different this year from previous years. The last game against Ballincollig is the best example to justify that. They drew level with a few minutes remaining but we didn't panic. We showed character and maturity. Previously we mightn’t have worked a shot but we kept on probing and kicked the last three points. We kept onto the ball so well in injury-time.

“Seven of our starters are under the age of 21 so it was always going to take time for us this season. There is no doubt our performances have been steadily improving so I am confident that we are in really good shape for St Finbarr's. I do expect us to bring a huge performance. We believe in our ability.”