The strength of hurling in Imokilly is reflected in the composition of this year's county premier intermediate hurling championship with Castlelyons and Youghal vying for a much coveted place among Cork's hurling elite.

Fans of the small ball are looking forward to what should be a cracking contest between the two best teams in this grade when the face off in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday evening next at 7.30pm. Both sides are there on merit and while Youghal may start as slight favourites, this is a marginal call because Castlelyons have done nothing wrong this year and critically, have improved with every game.

The perceived wisdom was they'd surpassed expectations in getting to a semi-final and few pundits believed they would turn over near neighbours Watergrasshill who seemed the form team up to that point. However, inspired by the talented Spillane and Carroll brother the Abbeysiders turned in a near perfect performance to book a place in this year's final. For their part Youghal accounted for Inniscarra in the other semi.

Coach John Boylan and his management team of Con Lawlor and Ger McCarthy have assembled a fine panel of players who are a formidable blend of youth and experience. Led by placed ball expert and captain, Ciaran McGann, the team play a delightful brand of skilful hurling that opponents have found great difficulty in combating.

While Youghal will be a very tough nut to crack Castlelyons don't lack confidence and supporters are quietly confident that their team has the wherewithal to record a win that would rank as one of the most significant in the club's long and distinguished history.

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