Five key battles that could decide the Premier SFC final

The old rivals renew acquaintances once more on Sunday when holders St Finbarr’s put their McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC crown on the line against Nemo Rangers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (4pm).

Last year's county final needed a dramatic late intervention from substitute Cillian Myers-Murray to separate the sides and there is little to suggest a similarly tight affair is not in store this weekend. 

Both teams possess scoring power and defensive resilience, with several key battles likely to determine who lifts the Andy Scannell Cup.

Sherlock assignment crucial 

When opposition teams face St Finbarr’s, one question generally dominates the build-up: how do you stop Steven Sherlock?

Nemo manager Robbie O'Dwyer has a number of options available, though Kieran Histon appears the most likely candidate to track Sherlock given his physicality and athleticism. Mark Hill or Kevin O'Donovan could also be handed that responsibility.

The midfield battle 

County finals are often won and lost around the middle and Sunday’s contest features one of the most intriguing midfield duels.

Ian Maguire remains the beating heart of the St Finbarr’s team. His ability to field possession, break lines and bring others into the game makes him enormously influential. Alongside him, Brian Hayes can also impact contests through his athleticism and ability to cover ground.

Nemo counter with the pairing of Alan O’Donovan and Bríain Murphy, two players who have been central to their journey back to the county final. 

If they can disrupt the Barrs' primary possession and gain a foothold around kick-outs, Nemo's attacking game becomes significantly more dangerous. 

Nemo’s attacking threats 

While much of the attention before the game will naturally focus on Sherlock, Nemo have no shortage of forwards capable of deciding a final.

Mark Cronin remains their most reliable scorer and leader in attack, but Ross Corkery has consistently shown an ability to influence big games and kick scores from distance. Bryan Hayes can cause problems, too.

Goals change finals 

Championship finals are often cagey affairs where scores can be difficult to come by. In those circumstances, goals become even more valuable.

The Barrs demonstrated in their semi-final victory over Clonakilty how a well-timed goal at a key stage can transform a contest. 

Neither defence will want to concede easy goal chances and whichever side wins that battle could gain a decisive edge.

Impact from the bench 

The importance of finishers continues to grow and both managers possess options capable of altering the direction of the game.

For St Finbarr’s, Luke Hannigan brings energy and attacking intent, while supporters will never forget the contribution of Cillian Myers-Murray, whose late intervention proved decisive in last year's county final victory.

Nemo can respond with options of their own. Dara O’Sullivan and Conor Horgan offer fresh legs and quality from the sideline.