Blarney v Bride Rovers part three: Huge interest in semi-final rematch

Given that Blarney boast three inter-county players and two nailed-on Cork starters – it was expected they would come through their quarter-final tie with Killeagh, and march on to the semi-finals.

They did just that.

The semi-final draw means we are treated to a repeat of Bride Rovers and Blarney – a matchup that ended controversially last year. To put it lightly.

With Bride Rovers overcoming the Muskerry side on penalties last season, Blarney lodged an objection to the result after Bride Rovers had 16 men on the field for the period of play that led to Rovers’ equalising score.

It meant a replay of the fixture would be required, in which Bride Rovers were defeated.

Blarney went on to lose the final to Newcestown, but manager Michael Barrett is looking forward to facing Bride Rovers once again.

We will look forward to that, I'm sure they're well prepared for us. So I suppose we'll have a go again.

“[There are] no guarantees at all,” he says. “The next game we have to take on its merits as well.

I mean, it’s 15 on 15. 15 guys representing their clubs on the pitch, and we'll see how we go.” 

As controversial as this fixture was last season, it will be different this time around for Blarney, who are expecting to have the full pick of their team ahead of the semi-final.

“At this stage last year, in the quarter-final against Cloyne, we lost two of our starting players. At 14 minutes and 21 minutes, we were down two starters.

“We have a full squad. A few niggles, but nothing major. I think you need all your players,” Barrett explains. “You need a full squad, we realised that to our detriment last year.” 

It’s certainly a positive for Blarney, who faced a stern test from a Killeagh side who were well up for the challenge.

BATTLE

“We knew they were going to come [at us]. They're deserving of where they were and we knew they were going to come with a huge challenge. To be fair, for times in that game, we were at the pin of our collar to work it out.

“I’m delighted for the lads. The way they worked out there, the way that Killeagh came out very strong in the first half.

“I think the breeze had a big factor in the game, and I think we were happy at half-time. It's only when you're on that side of the pitch over by the clubhouse, you realise there is a diagonal breeze.

“They were very strong physically, and I think the way we stood up to them, really proved what Ciarán O’Regan and Gavin O’Mahony have been doing with the lads from a strength and conditioning point of view.

“They're in their second year, so the lads there have conditioned very well and they were able to take the knocks. 

They just got up and got on with it.

“We got a few early goals. We also give up two early goals in the first half, so we’ve plenty to work on. Again in the second half, when we thought we would drive on there when we were six points up, and got a goal, they got a goal again.

“It was ebb and flow, at this stage in the championship, it’s knockout, everything is on the table.”