Duhallow JAFC final preview: Castlemagner and Knocknagree renew rivalry

For the second consecutive season, Castlemagner and Knocknagree meet in the Ashgrove Renewables Duhallow JAFC Final at Lismire on Sunday at 2pm.

A 62-year wait for Castlemagner ended last autumn when they won the title for the first time since 1961.

Apart from a segment in the first half, the new champions controlled the game, defensively solid and showcasing their attacking traits against Knocknagree’s second side.

Castlemagner’s timing was perfect, bringing great energy, pace and passion to their game to collect the prize on offer and subsequently enjoy a decent run in the county only to falter to eventual champions Canovee at the penultimate hurdle.

Of course, Knocknagree set a benchmark. It’s been a truly brilliant decade for the club, winning every honour in the book culminating in an All-Ireland Junior A title in 2018.

The road to success began in 2015 when they won a divisional JAFC title, the upward spiral has continued, Knocknagree elevating to new heights; their top side currently ranked Senior A await a massive county final against Carrigaline tomorrow week.

The secret to Knocknagree’s success is a policy of utilising every player to play competitive football from the start of the season.

That gives this junior A side a basis come summer time, obviously much stronger at the outset of the championship, the loss of players to their Senior A side during a competitive county championship may limit options for their second team come the latter stages.

Still, Knocknagree’s second string offered steely resolve to pull clear of a gritty Kilbrin in a closely contested semi-final. Not too much separated the sides before Daniel Murphy delivered a match-winning goal for Knocknagree.

A solid side Knocknagree look to the encouraging play from Damien Browne, Seán Daly, Danny Cooper, Daniel Murphy, Chris White, John F and Matthew Daly.

Defending champions Castlemagner have looked assured and confident in an unbeaten run to this final. All through the campaign, they have asserted their authority, their all-round balance sharper in all sectors of the field.

Castlemagner are building experience too from a decent run in League Division 7.

Parading a side gaining experience, Castlemagner are under the guidance of Donal Gayer, Tadgh Fitzmaurice; Josh O’Connor, Conor O’Sullivan, Danny Linehan, Cormac O’Sullivan, and Conor Murphy in their bid to win back-to-back titles.

Castlemagner have done everything correctly, but no doubt, Knocknagree will not be broken down too easily yet Catlemagner’s superior firepower can retain the title.

Verdict: Castlemagner.