The time for heroes is now.
Na Piarsaigh and Cushendall know that whatever they do for the rest of their lives, there can be no regrets coming off the field in Croke Park tomorrow afternoon.
Often on March 17th, heroes emerge from the most unexpected of places, and so we’ve looked at four players who could be the difference between the sides in tomorrow’s All-Ireland club hurling final.
David Dempsey – Na Piarsaigh
While the key attention may be focused on Kevin Downes and Shane Dowling, there’s little doubt the Limerick champions would not have reached this stage without their inspirational leader in attack.
He grabbed the opening goal in the Munster triumph over Ballygunner, and when things got sticky against Oulart-The Ballagh last month; Dempsey slotted 0-4 to keep his side in contention.
Hard work often beats talent on March 17th but Dempsey has both in spades.
Kieran Breen – Na Piarsaigh
The Limerick outfit is backboned by a strong defence and the cornerstone at number two has been Kieran Breen.
Croke Park can often appear more daunting and open on days when it’s not a full house, but this won’t effect Breen or his focus
He could be handed a man-marking job on Neil McManus further away from the edge of the square, or alternatively could look to shackle Cathal McNaughton in the corner.
Either way expect his direct opponent to be in for a very tough afternoon.
Ryan McCambridge – Cushendall
Defence wins championships and the Antrim and Ulster kings have won of the stingiest.
It takes a hell of an effort to limit the Galway champions Sarsfields to 1-6 in an All-Ireland semi-final but Cushendall have been running a tight operation all season.
Ryan McCambridge has had an outstanding season for his club, and tomorrow could be his crowning glory.
His efforts limited Sarsfields to a single point from play and he is one of those rare players who was born to play in Croke Park.
Karl McKeegan – Cushendall
The Antrim veteran is unlikely to be a starter, but when he does come into the fray, wait for Croke Park to erupt.
He has probably forgotten more about hurling than most of his team-mates will ever learn, but the forward still retains a keen eye for mischief, as well as goals.
A goal in the win over Sarsfields showed he still has the appetite for top class hurling while he also played a key role in the Ulster final success over Slaughtneil with two long range monster points. Potentially his last trip to Croke Park, it could be a memorable one.
Brought to you by AIB GAA, proudly backing Club & County. Follow AIB GAA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
