IAHC final: Aghabullogue's spirit to fore once more as they look to add more history
Brian Dineen in action for Aghabullogue against Liam Whelan of Kilworth last year. Picture: Larry Cummins
Ten months on from the pain of relegation, Aghabullogue can atone for that later on today.
The Muskerry men take on Bandon in the Co-Op SuperStores IAHC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (4pm).
An opportunity to return at the first time of asking to the higher grade, something that hasn’t been done at this level since the restructuring prior to the 2020 campaign.
Aghabullogue were very unlucky to suffer demotion from the PIHC last year.
They had two points on the board, but scoring difference is what ultimately plunged them into the relegation play-off. They would lose a replay to Kilworth, beaten finalists in 2023 against Castlelyons.
Aghabullogue achieved the double in 2023. A very difficult thing to do these days with the split season. The Coachford-based outfit are in with a real chance of doing it again in the coming weeks.
Their footballers, managed by new Cork U20 football boss Ray Keane, take on Muskerry rivals Iveleary in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC final in two weeks' time.
Keane’s team suffered their own disappointment in 2024 when they lost the decider after a replay to Kilshannig.
The Mid-Cork club are made of stern stuff and have always bounced back from challenging times.
They came together a few weeks ago following the death of Kerry Corcoran, wife of Aghabullogue footballer Dhani Merrick. It puts everything into perspective.
It just shows that sport is well down the pecking order. The club and the players have rallied around and have been motivated to the hilt.
The hurlers defeated Aghada after extra-time while the footballers took care of Naomh Abán.
Two gritty semi-final victories that have kept the double alive. Commitment and communication, two words that we have heard a lot when it comes to Aghabullogue over the last couple of years.
The brothers are together this year on the sideline. Despite being favourites to go back up at the first attempt, the pressure hasn’t fazed Aghabullogue.
The Muskerry team are looking to land a second county hurling crown in three years later on today.
A first leg of a potential double they will hope.
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