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Finbarrs too hot to handle
 By
David Thorpe
When the St. Finbarrs GAA club in Coventry asked to be relegated to the
Intermediate ranks last season they hoped to buy some time and ensure
their survival.
Instead the Holbrooks club are thriving and may be able to return to the
senior ranks years ahead of schedule with players who they brought through
their youth system.
They defeated John Mitchels to claim the Intermediate Championship title
at Pairc na hÉireann on Sunday and are unbeaten in the League which
carries with it promotion to the top flight of Warwickshire football.
It is a tremendous achievement for a club which, on relegation to Intermediate,
lost many of its more experienced players and had to rely on its youngsters.
There was a minor shock in the Warwickshire hurling championship as Fullen
Gaels from Manchester defeated Erin Go Bragh.
Erin Go Bragh were severely weakened by the absence of three or four first-team
regulars but the Manchester lads were lethal in attack with each member
of their full-forward line scoring a goal, and contributing plenty of
danger.
The final score line of 3-9 to 1-10 did full justice to Fullen Gaels superiority
and sees them leapfrog Sunday’s vanquished opponents in the race
for the Warwickshire hurling title.
With the county Championship scene starting to wind down the thoughts
of Gaels in Warwickshire are now turning to the British Championship.
Sean McDermotts will host London Intermediate champions Thomas McCurtains
at Pairc na hÉireann on Sunday.
The East London lads caused something of a surprise in winning their Championship.
They have a young team of largely home-grown players who seemed to improve
as the season went on. They are probably at their best when attacking
and play a direct style of football which is extremely difficult to defend
against.
But McDermotts have proved themselves to be worthy champions of Warwickshire.
Unbeaten throughout the season and with class players in every sector
of the field and particularly in attack. They have the experience and
talent to run the London champions close and set-up a crack at the British
title.
That match forms the centrepiece of the action at Pairc na hÉireann
this weekend while the St. Finbarrs club are also likely to be in action,
hoping to move a step closer to the Intermediate League title and complete
a fairytale return to the top flight.
n For round-up of county action, see pages 62-63. |
