Ciarán Doolan loving life as St Finbarr's power into Munster final

Ciarán Doolan's performances have gone from strength to strength as St Finbarr’s journey continues.

They are into the AIB Munster Club SFC final where they will face Dingle the weekend after next after defeating Éire Óg of Ennis on Sunday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Togher side won on a scoreline of 3-20 to 0-14.

Doolan made his big breakthrough with the Barrs’ first team last year after impressing for the reserve side as they went all the way to glory in 2023 after winning the Premier JFC title.

“The panel has been huge for us this year,” he said after the 15-point victory over Éire Óg of Ennis.

“I think you can see it from all of our games this year, the bench are making a huge impact. Luke Hannigan started his first game today and he's probably one of our best players all year, coming on and getting 15-20 minutes here and there.

“We have players that are coming on and making a difference. The last day above in Clonmel, it was very tough conditions, but we had lads that came off the bench and helped us over the line. It was the same today.” 

St Finbarr’s were never going to rest on their laurels after lifting the Andy Scannell trophy last month. They have a rich history in the Munster series. The five-time winners are determined to make it six.

“We had three weeks between the county final and the Munster quarter-final, so we could enjoy the celebrations,” Doolan says.

“The first session back was fairly tough going, a lot of coughing and a lot of lads down on their hands and knees. We just had to go up to Clonmel last week and do a job and look, it was tough.

“Even afterwards there was just a huge buzz. Training this week wasn't too tough but there was a great atmosphere around.

“We all just couldn't wait to get down here and play. A few of us were up in Thurles yesterday and what the girls did was incredible. We just want to follow them.

“I don't think we've mentioned the 2022 Munster success at all to be honest. I think there's around six new starters and we've fellas who were minor last year after joining the panel. I know myself, I was up in Portlaoise as a supporter when we played Kilcoo in the All-Ireland semi-final. We don't really speak about the past, we always speak about the next game.

“We don't look too far ahead of ourselves. It's obviously nice to have the older fellas like Steven Sherlock, Ian Maguire and Alan O'Connor there. You can go up to them for a bit of advice.”

St Finbarr’s take on Dingle in what is an eye-catching Munster final the weekend after next. It has all the makings to be a great encounter.

“Once you get out of Cork, some teams might take their foot off the gas. We look to just put in a performance and see how far we can go in this.

“I don't know what else you would be looking forward to at this time of the year other than a Munster final. It's great for us as players but for the elderly people out in the club now who have something to look forward to.

“That's what a club is about. We all can't wait to go up to Ashbourne next week to support the camogie team and then the following week to go up against Dingle.

“This is unbelievable. It's cold this time of the year and it's tough to be training some nights but the crack we're having is unbelievable. We were saying there, I don't think there's too many teams with a bond like we have.

“It's so easy to go out and play for teammates who you'd fight for. We're absolutely loving it. We can't wait to go down to the club the next night and just kick a few balls and have a bit of crack.

“Hopefully we can bring another cup or two back to St Finbarr’s this season.” Doolan ended.