Ballincollig turn focus to Dungourney: Huge challenge but we will give it everything

Ballincollig are back in the Co Op Super Stores Premier IHC final after a sensational comeback win over Carrigaline. 

Even the most optimistic Collig supporters must have had their doubts as their side trailed by eight points after 45 minutes. 

In the end, they won by three as the momentum completely swung in their favour after the introduction of their talisman and Cork panellist Brian Keating for an incredible 1-25 to 2-19 success.

Manager Eamonn Keating had plenty of reason to be emotional afterwards, especially as his son Brian was instrumental in the comeback with a crucial goal after a season marred by injury. 

"I am almost lost for words really, but the lads just kept at it. We said at half-time just to keep hurling away and the breaks will come and they did. Obviously, Brian has been injured throughout the championship, but he came up with that goal which really kickstarted our comeback. 

"Even though we were down seven points at half-time there was genuinely no panic in the dressing room. We probably made a few mistakes in the second quarter, and they took over for a spell. 

There are plenty of things that we will need to improve on but we have two weeks to work on all that.” 

It’s a consecutive county final appearance for Ballincollig, who lost out to Ballinhassig last year. The manner of that defeat disappointed Keating.

"Losing to Ballinhassig was extremely disappointing as I just felt we never fired on the day or did ourselves justice. By saying that, I certainly don’t mean to take from a superb Ballinhassig team who just out-hurled us on the day. But you must show up in these big games and for whatever reason it just didn’t happen on the day.” 

A great rivalry has developed between Ballincollig and Carrigaline over recent seasons with the Mid Cork side just about coming out on top in a really top-class match before a monster crowd at Ovens. These championship semi-final clashes take on a life of their own and Ballincollig really had to dig deep and their bench proved crucial.

Options

“It’s been well documented that we’ve had a lot of injuries all year, so it really does test the depth of our panel. We brought in four or five subs today and that’s really what got us over the line in the end. The likes of Pete Kelly and Conor Dalton coming in... that's a just reward for all the panel who train so hard. James Dwyer going back to the defence was a huge help too.

"Carrigaline are a very good team and we saw that today. But we have a county final to prepare for which is massive for the club. 

Hurling is going well in the club and our U15s under Denis Twomey won the Féile which was a huge boost for hurling. 

"We had some great league games this season and I felt it really helped us add to the strength of our panel. Playing a team like Kanturk in the league really gives you an idea where you are.

"It’s a very short turnaround now with the final in two weeks. After a titanic battle like that there will be a lot of sore bodies in the morning. But we will be back training on Tuesday and prepare as best we can for Dungourney. It’s a huge challenge but they’re a great bunch of lads who will give it everything which is all you can ask for.”