AIB Munster Club JFC: Buttevant determined to seize their chance in Kildorrery 

Buttevant selector John Buckley feels the team are in a great position to meet their next challenge head on in what will be a historic occasion in Kildorrery tomorrow afternoon. 

The Avondhu outfit take on Limerick side Ahane in the AIB Munster Club JFC semi-final with a start time of 1pm.

After hammering Shamrocks of Waterford in the previous round, the team in black and amber will be high in confidence coming into this one.

“It was important that we maintained our standards,” Buckley says on the victory over Shamrocks.

“The conditions were difficult, but we worked our way into the game and got great scores. It was a strong performance and a good workout.

“To get a 25-point win against Shamrocks was a bit of a surprise. We know what we are capable of and we were able to give a few more lads a run. There’s great competition for places.” 

Buttevant now take on Ahane, who have two former Ireland rugby stars in their ranks in the shape of Seán Cronin and Ian Keatley. The Limerick club have won back-to-back counties and will pose a difficult challenge for Buttevant.

“You have to treat any county championship winning team with respect and we will do that,” the Buttevant selector said.

“We have been disciplined all year and we have been focusing on ourselves, something we have worked on this season. Of course, you have to look at the opposition and see who their main players are, but ultimately we can only control what we can control.

“Ahane did beat Fr Casey’s in the Limerick final in what was a very bad day weather wise, but they were still able to play some good football. They have a strong physical side.

“We are looking forward to it. We have set a good standard, but we want to get better as well. We want more big days out.

“The team and management have left no stone unturned this year. We had regrets after the county semi-final loss to Kilmurry last season. We learnt from it.

“The extra bits that the players have done this season in between training and matches has been unbelievable. They are just so professional in how they look after their bodies.” 

There’s a huge prize on the line tomorrow. Buttevant will be determined to make the provincial decider with Ballymacelligott and Clonmel Óg clashing in the other last four encounter.

The Avondhu team will also look to honour the late Miah Ahern in his native Kildorrery. He passed away in December 2023. He was a selector with Buttevant at the time of his passing.

“Miah meant an awful lot to us. He’s always on our minds whenever we play. It will definitely carry a bit of emotion going into the game for all involved. He would be very proud of us.

“We have played in Kildorrery on plenty of occasions so we are well used to it and always get great support there.” Buckley ended.