*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
Can St. Flannan’s College extend their lead at the top of the Harty cup role of honour or will Nenagh CBS add to their only title success which was achieved just two seasons ago.
This is the question being asked by hurling fans this week as St. Flannan’s and Nenagh CBS complete their preparations ahead of Saturday’s early awaited final.
Saturday’s final will mark the 43rd appearance by a team representing the famed Ennis nursery in the final of this prestigious competition. If one county replays in 1948 and 2003 then this will be the 45th appearance by a team wearing the blue and white in the decider of this famous championship.
From once preparations commenced for this season’s competition, Nenagh CBS were amongst a short list of favourites for the title. When the groups were drawn the finalists were together and they faced off in the opening round. At half time in that game Nenagh looked to be heading for a comfortable win but St Flannan’s stormed back into contention in the second half and when the final whistle sounded the teams were deadlocked. They both went on to win their other games in the group against Cashel and Ard Scoil Ris with Nenagh going on to top the group on score difference.
Since the group stage both sides have been more consistent. Nenagh had to pull out all the stops to come through their semi-final against Thurles CBS last year’s winners. The margin at the final whistle was one point.
Nenagh are again managed by Donagh O’Donnell who is well known in Clare hurling circles having managed O’Callaghans Mills to contest the Clare SHC final. He led the North Tipperary school to their great win in 2024.
If St Flannan’s are to bring the famed trophy to Ennis for a 23rd time they will have to make a better start. In James Culllinan, Graham and Darragh Ball, Sean and Darragh McNamara, Colm Day and Harry Doherty they have strong players.
They will need to be at their best if victory is to be achieved by the Brendan Bugler coached outfit.
