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Our hurling writer, Mike O’Halloran, on the Garveys Supervalu Kerry SHC first round clash between Ballyduff and Kilmoyley this Sunday in Abbeydorney…
Ballyduff’s, Adrian Boyle, about to grab possession during last August’s clash between Kilmoyley and Ballyduff. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
On Sunday the championship action moves to the pristine pitch in Abbeydorney where Ballyduff take on Kilmoyley at 12 noon, this is a repeat of last year at this venue where Kilmoyley completely bossed the game at the end.
Ballyduff will argue that the injury to David Grady upset heir rhythm and maybe it did, but Kilmoyley also lost their talisman Tom Murnane and still went on to win.
Ballyduff had a win over Kilmoyley in the past couple of weeks but both had presented shadow teams that evening.
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Ballyduff has new management this year and seem to be content with the way training is going. The Ballyduff squad is quite tight number-wise, perhaps numbering 23 or 24.
Michael Boyle is on fire in most games and ably assisted by younger players like Eoin Ross, Jack Goulding. There is also a very good chance that Paud Costello will line out, but the game will come a month too early for Padraigh Boyle.
Another big boost for Ballyduff is the return of PJ Gorman to the goalkeeping duties, not alone is he a great shot stopper but his puck out management is also vital.
Gary O’Brien, who starred in Lixnaw last year versus Crotta is training well, as is Aiden Boyle, two big men who will need to handle and distribute a lot of ball to their forwards in order to get over Kilmoyley.
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I saw Kilmoyley play Ballyheigue recently and they looked extremely organised and full of confidence and endeavour. Admittedly, Ballyheigue were poor on the night, but the Kilmoyley system of play and distribution of the ball was very impressive.
Everybody knows the headline players Kilmoyley have at their disposal. If PJ Gorman is important for Ballyduff, Aiden McCabe is equally so for the champions.
Paudie O’Connor is back to his best this year after the knee injury he sustained kept him on the side line until late in the championship last year.
Daniel Collins, Dougie Fitzell, Tom Murnane will not let the Neilus Flynn stray from Togher Bán without a massive struggle.
If Ballyduff don’t win the championship this year, it will be quite a while before they will be in contention due to the lack of underage success. So it’s now or not for a while for Ballyduff. I think they might just do it.
