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Fermoy intermediate hurlers who will contest the Cork County final of the intermediate hurling championship on October 26th versus Charleville. Photo: Brendan Keane

Finals are for winning and Fermoy will be doing all in their power to get over the line on Sunday, when they face Charleville in this year's county intermediate hurling decider in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

There's always plenty talk in the build up to big games and it's surprising, how much tongue wagging has gone on in relation to the venue (with two north Cork teams contesting the final, it was mooted that the match might be moved to a more 'local' and 'atmospheric' venue).

That's all bye the bye now and whatever about the damage those famous blue seats can do to your bottom, there's no disputing that Pairc Ui Chaoimh has a fantastic surface - when all is said and done, most players would opt for Sunday's venue.

Grenagh/Milford/Aghada - all contenders, but in the 'final' analysis, the two best teams are left standing. There's plenty of merit in talking up Fermoy's chances (good young players, very fit, very committed, the football is out of the way, capable of scoring heavily in most games, don't give much away, Denis Ring and David Geary, who must be one of the most skillful hurlers playing at this grade).

Stating what most observers would take as read, there isn't much between these players; Charleville are a good bit better than any side Fermoy have met to date and they'll have no fears about going head to head with the boys in black and amber.

Unlike their opponents, Charleville (Rathluirc) view themselves almost exclusively as a hurling club and a relatively recent county final win by their footballers (albeit at junior B level), barely registered amongst supporters. They'll come out all guns blazing and Fermoy will have to be ready for this blitzkrieg from the off.

CONFIDENT CAMP

The Fermoy camp are in confident mood ahead of the final clash, and manager and coach, Denis Ring, this week commented, "We've prepared well with the panel making a huge effort all year. Every team wants to be playing a final and our lads are really looking forward to the occasion. Having come close last year gave us extra motivation to get back to the business end of the championship this year. Without a doubt, our stiffest test will come on Sunday"

Fermoy have suffered their fair share of near misses on big days and they won't want this one to slip away. The wear and tear associated with a very demanding season may come into play and management will be hoping that some of these exceptionally busy players are able to produce that all important 'bit extra' come the weekend.

Club chairman, Brendan Keane, told The Avondhu, "Great work has been done on and off the pitch the last few years and Fermoy are really getting behind this team. All the club and supporters know we have a team not just with talent, but with character. They have developed into a fine side but I expect the final to be finely balanced. It's great to have two Avondhu teams involved - both sides know and respect each other and it's likely to be a close run final."

STRONG SUPPORT

"Denis Ring and his selectors have put in a lot of work all year to prepare the team - having a big panel turning up all year has helped drive the effort and preparations. The town is buzzing, with people getting a chance to decorate their houses with Fermoy colours for a county final for the first time for an intermediate hurling final".

There's no doubt Fermoy are ready to go up and indeed, victory against Charleville could be the difference between 'pushing on' and getting bogged down in a grade that has plenty of banana skins. Whether Charleville are that bit fresher on Sunday remains to be seen, but you can't see them dominating what is a very mobile and attack orientated Fermoy outfit.

This final means everything to Fermoy players and they've earned their shot at the title. At this stage, it's about manoeuvring your forces into a position whereby a knock out blow can be delivered - that may take a bit of time on Sunday, but Fermoy are well capable of doing it. Best of luck to everyone concerned.

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