John Horgan on the magic of Junior Hurling as Ballinora collide with Kilshannig

It might be the sixth tier of the Cork hurling championship but for the clubs and players that participate in it, the importance is as great as any of the five tiers above it.

Yes, the Cork junior championship is at the lower end of the scale, quite a few of the participating teams are from clubs with senior and intermediate teams. It might not generate the same amount of interest as before but it still remains a damn hard competition to win from one year to the next.

In the main, it is contested by rural clubs, north, south, east and west of the county and if you end up with the trophy in November or December, you will have earned it.

A county medal in any grade of Cork hurling or in any other county is one to cherish and for the older generation, there are memories of massive clashes in the '60s and onwards that generated huge attendance levels.

In East Cork, in particular, you could have an attendance of four or five thousand for a junior final in Clonmult Memorial Park. That's when clubs like Cloyne, Bride Rovers, Erin's Own, Carrigtwohill, Killeagh and Fr O'Neill's, all senior clubs now, battled it out for the only prize that was available to them at that time in their history.

Winning the Jamesy Kelleher Cup was of massive significance for those who claimed it.

In North Cork, there used to be games featuring Kilworth, Kildorrery, Castletownroche among others that drew in the crowds. Ballincollig in Mid Cork had strong junior teams too in the '60s.

Before Newtownshandrum rose to prominence as a senior club of great renown, winning the Cork title four times in the years from 2000 to 2009, they plied their trade in the North Cork JHC, winning the county title in the grade in 1969.

Throughout all the divisions, nothing came easy in those bygone days and the games were fought with fierce intensity.

The Cork County JAHC remains a very difficult competition to come out on top in.

Firstly, there is the divisional championship to be negotiated, depending on the number of participants, you might be playing up to four games before landing that particular prize.

Subsequently, it's on to the county arena, maybe another three hurdles to jump before getting on to the podium at headquarters.

The roll of honour shows Carrigtwohill being the most successful club in the competition, winning the county title on six different occasions, the last one going back to 1994. For that great club, it was a stepping stone to senior glory in the glorious campaign of 2011, that unforgettable day in Páirc Uí Chaoimh against Cork IT.

Back in the '60s, Carrig and Castlemartyr formed a rivalry in East Cork that captured the imagination of all Cork GAA followers, massive battles, nothing spared and subsequent friendships formed that have lasted a lifetime.

MARQUEE

The Rockies, Barrs and Glen ruled the senior grade in that era but the junior championship had its own marquee names across the county.

This season's competition is nearing its completion, the county final next Sunday will feature two clubs seeking to get their hands on the trophy for the very first time, North Cork champions Kilshannig and Mid Cork winners Ballinora, the latter on the trail of a unique double, having already taken the Cork IAFC.

Last Sunday, I took a trip to Páirc Uí Rinn to have a look at them in the junior hurling semi-final against Cobh and it turned out to be fine entertaining contest.

Cobh had come in from the cold in East Cork, winning the title in that division for the first time since 1959 and they gave a good account of themselves before Ballinor seized the initiative in the closing quarter to run out victorious by a couple of points.

There's an old saying that success breeds success and that is certainly the story in Ballinora right now. It was damn cold on the Boreenmanna Road venue but some of the Ballinora play and individual performances warmed up the proceedings.

One young player for them, Ben Mayer exhibited his potential with a terrific haul of 11 points, some of them in the sublime category.

Kilshanning will, no doubt, have taken notes on how he might perform on Sunday and how best to curb a young man whose hurling last Sunday was a joy to behold.

Shane Kingston, in the number six jersey, was a leader in his team's display and this is a well-balanced unit.

Kilshannig will bring their own strong credentials to the contest.

GLORY

They were losing finalists in 2022 to Erin's Own and they will surely draw on that loss and the experience that it provided them with. The county junior championship might not have the glamour of the other grades but, more often than not, it's very much a case of two rural clubs having their day in the spotlight, both with a common cause, all for the honour and glory of the little village.

Nemo Rangers and Mayfield in more recent times, have flown the flag for city clubs in the competition but in the main the final day is all about rural Ireland coming out to play.

For many of the clubs today plying their trade on the senior stage, it all began with a victory in this junior championship.

There is no longer the prize of elevation to the intermediate championship, the winners moving into the Premier Junior grade with plenty of momentum behind them.

But status does not matter, making your appearance in the final of any grade is a day to cherish for clubs, supporters and players.

Ballinora are just an hour away from putting the seal on what has been a year to remember for this small club from Mid Cork.

They have kept the pot boiling in both codes from one week to the next and to be still training as winter bares its ugly soul, must be a joy rather than a chore.

The same applies in the homes of Kilshannig, this is the GAA at grassroots level, this is what makes the Association what it is.  

Last Sunday, Cobh lost a county semi-final after winning out in East Cork for the first time since 1985. Team boss, former Cork star, Derek Barrett should be very proud of that.

But next Sunday it's going to be all about Kilshannig and Ballinora, battling it out for the right to be crowned Cork County champions. Both have earned that right, the road has been long but journey's end is now in sight.

Making a call on it is extremely difficult.

Ballinora have huge momentum behind them after their success with the big ball when their enduring character and resilience was fully exhibited. Kilshannig with the pain of 2022 to guide them in their task.

One way or the other it's a huge occasion for two small rural clubs, clubs that are the heart and soul of the GAA. We look forward to it.