Clonmel Commercials hope home comfort will count against St Finbarr's
Cian Smith of Clonmel Commercials in action against Kian Quinn of Kilsheelan-Kilcash at FBD Semple Stadium. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Clonmel Commercials are looking forward to having home comforts for the visit of St Finbarr’s after claiming an emotional Tipperary SFC title.
The 2015 Munster champions have played their last three provincial games in Semple Stadium, but manager Tommy Morrissey confirmed they would be bringing the quarter-final back to Clonmel Sportsfield for the first time since 2017.
“I'll be straight with you. We didn't play in Clonmel the two years prior because the condition of the pitch was brutal,” said Morrissey.
“There's a huge amount of work that's gone in between ourselves and St Mary's over the last 12 months. There's huge work gone into the field by the sports committee, and that's the reason why we have it in a condition now where we feel it's suitable for an occasion like that.”
The work has been reflected in Clonmel hosting three Tipperary senior football games between the League and Tailteann Cup this year.
Morrissey added: “We've only the week (to prepare), but that's fine. Three weeks in a row we'll be out, but I'll take that any day.
"We're not going into the competition to take it as a token gesture. We want to be in that competition to be competitive.”
There were moving scenes at full-time after Saturday’s Premier showpiece in Thurles. Philly Ryan’s son, Shane, lifted the O’Dwyer Cup alongside Séamus Kennedy as the Tipperary football manager was fondly remembered by his protégés.
Memories of Philly, who passed away last month, were on all minds as the team he helped to mould romped to a 21-point victory over Kilsheelan-Kilcash.
A touching moment at full-time saw the Commercials team stream towards Shane, who has inherited his father’s goalkeeping talents, in a gesture of support.
He has played a significant role in their success, conceding just two goals in their past nine championship games.
A dominant kick-out, hunger for breaking balls, aggressive tackling, and accurate shooting saw them overwhelm their neighbours in the second half. Playing in calm conditions, they won the final half-hour by 1-16 to 0-1.
Michael Quinlivan got the goal and added the man-of-the-match award as he earned his eighth county medal on the field of play, a feat matched by Kennedy.
Even when sucker-punched by Jamie Roche’s early goal, Commercials responded with six successive points. All-Ireland-winning hurler Peter McGarry put in a standout first-half display, while Jack Kennedy kept things moving from midfield.
They were among the most eye-catching performers, yet top-scoring honours were shared between Seán O’Connor and Cian Smith, who each clipped three from play for 0-6 tallies.
Commercials have gone through some significant changes since their last clash with Cork opposition, a 2022 victory over Nemo Rangers.
Inter-county regulars such as Conall Kennedy, Jason Lonergan, and Michael O’Reilly are no longer involved. Then-captain Jamie Peters has settled in Cork and plays with Bride Rovers. Pádraic Looram has missed the season through injury.
What Commercials have, though, is a conveyor belt of talent. Of the 10 starters in their early 20s, nine have played senior for their county, and the 10th has the potential to do so.
Look at the Tipp team that almost knocked Cork out of the U20 Munster Championship in April. Five of their starting 15 were from Commercials.
The midfield duo of Darragh O’Connor and Joe Higgins, who are both UCC students, plus rangy half-forward Thomas Charles, played their part in the senior final.
Charles replaced the experienced Kevin Fahey, who departed early through injury, and picked off one point, while coming close to a second. In all, three substitutes split the posts among nine different scorers.
O’Brien will be a familiar face to plenty of the Barrs’ dual players, having coached the Blues to the 2022 Cork SHC title.
Captain Kennedy said that Commercials would celebrate their 22nd county title, which moves them clear of Fethard atop the Tipp roll of honour, before hunkering back down for training ahead of the Barrs.
“These have to be enjoyed. We were here head in the grass this time last year, so we'll enjoy this.
“The Barrs are a club renowned all over the country, so it's a brilliant test for us to look forward to.
“Probably 2017 was the last time we played a Munster Club game (in Clonmel) against Dr Crokes. They're very special occasions. Having the opportunity to play Munster Club on your own ground is great.
“Hopefully, a good Commercials crowd will turn out.”
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