GALWAY'S youngest hurling side, Tommie Larkin's, can complete what has been a great year for them by adding the county senior title to their collection when they meet Carnmore in the final at Pearse Stadium on Sunday. The Larkin's side, a Woodford/Ballinakill combination, began the year with some sparkling shows and later went on to surprise everyone with their hurling in the Reeves Cup final. On that day they hammered Maree/Oranmore.
After that many shrewd judges tipped them for a place the county final - and so it has happened that they are at that last hurdle. However, they can expect a tough game from a Carnmore side that caused some shocks themselves this year. In the semi-finals played two weeks ago, both teams showed very nice form indeed. In the Larkin's-Turloughmore clash the former roared into a fantastic eight points lead and then went to lose it - all in the first half.
OUTBURSTS
However, back they came again in the second period and again their initial outbursts proved too much for the opposition. On Sunday any recurrence of this slackness will be severely punished by county star Padraic Fahy and friends. In the Larkin's camp are many experienced players: for example Stan Stanley, now playing great stuff on the center half forward berth, and has played on many occasions with Gerry Cloherty's county XV. On the semi-final day he had a most pleasing afternoon - not only did he play a major part in helping his side to win but he showed signs that he may be back to his best. In fact he was like the Stanley of old.
Playing on, the same side that day was his brother Cathal. He too, is another fine hurler and if he can show the same touches as he showed in the semi-final, then Carnmore will have a busy afternoon indeed. Others in the side include Con Dervan, Tom Fahy, Brendan Dixon, Padraic Donoghue and Michael Fahy. All these play in the backs and are in top form at the moment. However, they must improve on their semi-final form for Sunday.
Although Larkin's won well in the semi-final they did concede six goals and that surely must have worried the selectors afterwards. So I won't be too surprised if there are changes, positional only, for Sunday. Occupying the midfield spots in the Pearse Stadium game will be, or should be, Frank Donohue and Pat Kelly. On these two will depend an awful lot. A good game would ensure almost certain victory for their side. And in the forward line Eddie Donohue, Cyril O'Farrell and Mick Fogarty should get enough of the ball to make things tough for the opposition. In their last game these forwards knocked in six goals. Not bad is it? On Sunday though they may not have things as easy as that.
Remember Carnmore? They are one of the most enthusiastic sides around and so consequently they won't be in any mood to allow easy scores in. j In the Carnmore goals should be Pat Walsh. Against Ardrahan he played some fine stuff and got good support from the backs, Mattie Cooney, Peter Fahy, Fergus Madden and John Long. All are fast, speedy and experienced.
DESTRUCT
In the midfield Scan Murphy and Jimmy Duggan will pit wits against Pat Kelly and Frank Donohue. An interesting clash this must prove to be. And it is one which could very well favor this strong reliable Carnmore pair. Carnmore's trump card will undoubtedly be Padraic Fahy. If Larkin's can blunt his blistering weapon: incisive, sparkling and destructive runs, then they will win. If they don't they might as well resign themselves to defeat. Helping him out will be Tommy Madden, Jimmy Conroy and Willie Greaney. Together these lads could cause a deal of damage if allowed the room. However, they could find the going tough against the "new team".