St Finbarr's timing it just right ahead of Clonakilty semi-final

St Finbarr’s forward John Wigginton‑Barrett believes the holders have found their stride at precisely the right moment as they gear up for Saturday night’s McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC semi-final against Clonakilty at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (7pm).

After a sluggish opening to their title defence, the Barrs now feel they are moving with purpose again — and Wigginton‑Barrett says the group has settled into the kind of form they expect from themselves.

The champions’ early-season swagger was noticeably off, with two group-stage defeats raising questions. 

“The first few games… look, we were missing a few fellas and we were trying to get back into it,” he said. 

“But I think after the last game now against Carbery in the quarter-final, we’re well on again.

“Look, we gave it our all for the whole game. I know we had a few injuries there in the group stage and we changed a few fellas, but it’s working out well now. We have lads putting up their hand.” 

The Barrs’ ability to absorb those setbacks and still qualify — albeit on two points — was another reminder of the depth and resilience that carried them to last year’s title.

The early-season disruption, he says, came down to the challenge of getting the full panel together.

“We struggled to get everyone together at the start, just with all the Cork lads coming back in and stuff. 

"But we got a few sessions together and we’re back on it now, so we should be good from now on.” 

Coming off last year’s long run to the title, Wigginton‑Barrett admits the dynamic is slightly different this season, but the approach remains unchanged.

“I’d say it’s a bit different coming off a longer season, but other than that we’re just trying to stick to the same things and do what we did last year. 

"We won a great county and were unlucky in the Munster final, so it’s all about trying to build and improve on last year if we can.” 

He also highlighted the influence of one of the group’s key figures, Cork legend Jimmy Barry‑Murphy, who remains a selector under Brian Roche, now in his third campaign.

“Jimmy is unbelievable. He’s a great man to have around the team. He just lifts everyone up and gets us ready for all the games. 

"We love having him in with us, and we appreciate everything he does.” 

Attention now turns to Clonakilty, a side the Barrs know well and respect.

“Oh yeah, it’ll be a good game anyway. We’ll just try and prepare right and get ready for it and do the best we can. 

"It’ll be a tough one, but we’ll try and kick on and come out on the better side of it. Sure, we’ll try and perform again to the best we can.”