Sheehan Cup Begins, O'Brien Cup Semi-Finals

Sunday, May 1st:

1:00 Sheehan Cup: Tipperary v Wexford – Field A

2:00 O'Brien Cup Semi Final: Connemara Gaels v Wolfe Tones – Field B

3:00 Sheehan Cup: Fr. Tom’s v Cork – Field A

4:00 O'Brien Cup Semi Final: Cork v McAnespies – Field B

The Sheehan Cup for the hurling clubs begins next Sunday with the first of what will be a 5 round competition.  The top two teams after the 5 rounds are completed will meet in the final on June 5.  Tipp, Wexford, Tom’s, and Cork get a run on Sunday, while Galway get a rest.

Wayne Callaghan in action for the Gaels.

The Pat O’Brien Cup reaches its penultimate stage on Sunday.  The first semi-final involves the Gaels and Wolfe Tones.  The Tones fielded a physical looking side and overcame a strong Donegal challenge on their last outing.  That said, the main threat from the Tones comes their forward pair of Dan McCabe and Marty Farrell.  The Gaels corner backs will have their hands full.  Also, strong around the middle, the Tones could have an advantage in this area of the field.  The Gaels have shown themselves to be a hard working team that plays an up-tempo style of football.  With plenty of talent sprinkled throughout the field, including Wayne Callaghan, Barry Murphy, PJ Kelly, and Eamonn McGlinchy, the Gaels are well balanced.  With the home-based signing deadline of April 30 behind us some new faces will likely be in the fold for both sides.  Looking forward to a good game of football between these teams.

The second semi-final sees Aidan McAnespies face Cork.  Cork have had to beat the New England Celtics and Armagh-Notre Dame to get there.  McAnespies put on an amazing about-turn to overcome Christopher’s in the last round.  With Trevor Kelly back in the fold, and Mike Moynihan looking sharp in the full forward line Cork have played some good football.  David Hughes in midfield and Colm Caffrey at center back have also put in some good performances for the rebels so far.  McAnespies will present a different animal for the Corkonians.  Philip Toner and Colm McCrory present two top notch forwards for Cork to deal with.  Elsewhere, Niall Kerr and Neil Donaghy will be strong in the middle of the field, while the McAnespies back line will not be as easy a door to open.  In spite of two good wins for Cork so far, I’d be surprised if Sunday was not the end of the road.

By Rory O'Donnell