Ballyskenach are within sixty minutes of appearing in the Offaly senior hurling championship for the first time ever and they will start as slight favourites to achieve his goal when they meet Kinnitty in the penultimate round this Saturday at 6pm in St. Brendan's Park, Birr.
Kinnitty, who've won nine county titles and last appeared in the final in 1985 created a big stir following their 0-16 to 1-11 quarter final victory over Coolderry and one can be sure that the Ger Coughlan managed side will put it up to Ballyskenach.
Kinnitty will be without mid-fielder Andrew McRedmond who received a straight red card following the brawl that broke out just minutes from the end of the quarter-final, but there is good news for the club in that Matthew McRedmond is available for selection once again.
Plotted in the wear group (Group 3) Kinnitty registred wins over Drumcullen, Shinrone and Killavilla, while they lost to Shamrocks before stunning Coolderry.
In their five outings to-date the Kinnitty defence has conceded just two goals and considering that Ballyskenach have netted eleven goals in three games, it will be very interesting to see how Liam Bergin, Ferghal Kealey, Paddy Whelan and co. cope with the threat from the likes of Eoghan Franks, John Dooley, David Carney and Brendan Murphy.
Paddy Kirwan managed Ballyskenach tallied a grand total of 11-32 in their three Group 2 victories over Kilcormac/Killoughey, Seir Kieran and Tullamore, and they certainly would appear to be that bit better balanced than Kinnitty. However, they mightn't find scores as easily to come by on Saturday as the Kinnitty defence is disciplined.
More than any other side in the chamipinship, Kinnitty have concentrated on playing fast, ground hurling and it has worked for them. Their progress to the semi-final is all the more remarkable when one considers they finished bottom of the weak group last year.
This young Kinnitty side have nothing to lose and they'll hold no fears for Ballyskenach. Their campaign has already been a resounding success and if Richie McRedmond and Justin Kinsella got into the scoring groove, they they'll have every chance of upsetting the odds.
Ballyskenach though still get the nod to prevail. David Franks has been in excellent form this year and even from mid-field he is a potential match winner. Mick O'Hara and the Murphy twins - Noel and Cathal - will also have big roles to play for 'Skenach.
It will be interesting to see how both sides adjust to the occasion and a good open game of hurling should be on the cards. Kinnitty are well drilled and will hurl with plenty of pride and passion, but this just mightn't be enough to prevent David Franks and Brendan Murphy from leading Ballyskenach to a first ever final appearance.
(Offaly Express, September 10th 2003)