ADARE and Newcastle West will renew acquaintances when they meet in the county football final in Kilmallock at 3pm on Sunday.
It had been anticipated that the game would be played at Rathkeale but work on the new 800-seat stand is not yet complete.
The final is a repeat of last year’s decider, won comfortably by Newcastle West, and of the 2017 showdown when Adare claimed victory.
Adare and Newcastle West have been the on-form teams of the year, so it’s no tremendous surprise that John Brudair and Jimmy Lee’s sides have made it through to the final of a championship that has entertained all through the last few months.
Shane Doherty continues as captain of Adare and has capable colleagues in the likes of goalkeeper Jeffrey Alfred, Oran Collins, Paul Maher, Ronan Connolly, Joe Sweeney, Robbie Bourke, Mark Connolly, Shane O’Connor and Davy Lyons.
Iain Corbett leads Newcastle West who can also call upon the talents of Darren O’Doherty, Brian O’Sullivan, James Kelly, Cian Sheehan, Emmet Rigter, Eoin Hurley, Diarmuid Kelly, Mike McMahon, and Bryan Nix.
The holders are in search of their seventh title, while Adare pursue their fourth.
Referee is Oola’s Timmy McGrath who was on sideline duty for the senior hurling final and new county manager Ray Dempsey will be an interested spectator.
Na Piarsaigh will compete in next year’s senior championship following a 2-8 to 2-6 victory over Dromcollogher/Broadford in the Intermediate Final at Askeaton. Captain Dylan Cronin gave a superb performance, contributing 1-5 for the winners.
In the Junior Final, Cathal O’Keeffe skippered Granagh/Ballingarry to a 1-12 to 0-8 win against Mungret/St Paul’s in Croom. The game’s only goal was scored by Jack Cagney.
