?CBL Champions Super Cup Final Preview ?
?CBL Champions Super Cup Final Preview ?
CIE Athletic v Postal Workers, Sunday May 9th 2021, Turner’s Cross, kick-off @ 3pm
AND SO, the day of destiny has arrived! The match of all matches to decide the greatest club team in the glittering 70-year history of the Cork Business and Shipping League will take place next Sunday afternoon at what is expected to be a full house at Turner’s Cross, writes Finbarr Buckley.
It’s fitting that the two most decorated teams should lock horns in what will be the 65th meeting of the sides since they first stepped into battle way back 55 years ago on Sunday, August 29th, 1965. Postal is putting their phenomenal record of 13 league championships, 6 cup, 6 shield, and 4 premier cups, achieved between 1977 and 1989, on the line against the very impressive trophy haul achieved by CIE, of 2 league title, 5 cups, 6 shields, and 2 premier cup, from the two most successful periods in their history, 1965-1972 and 1979-1981.
If any team has the capability of toppling Postal, it has to be CIE. When you consider CIE finished runners-up up to Postal in the league no fewer than five times during the Workers glorious run of ten titles out of eleven in the late seventies and eighties. Two of those were decided by play-offs s which would indicate that there was even less between the teams.
Both teams will be at full strength with the prospect of a number of fascinating duels likely to take place all over the park. Athletic’s Peter Gregson and Postal’s Tom Archer are arguably the two greatest goalkeepers to have played in the league. The big question for both sides is, will their respective defenses be able to hold the firepower both forward divisions have in abundance.
Postal’s likely front three of center-forward Pat Hurley and wide men John Reid and Tom Barry will come up against Athletic’s full-back’s Chris McCarthy and Jerry Sheehan and commanded central defenders, captain Davie Desmond, and Noel Kelleher. Reid’s tussle with McCarthy should be worth the entry fee alone as not alone are they two of the quickest ever to have donned a jersey, they would know each other so well from their many duels in the past.
At the other end, Postal’s in-form back four of Philip Clifford, John McGrath, Jerry Browne, and Timmy Donovan will have their hands full in keeping at bay CIE’s former amateur international Pat Downey, John Deasy, and Tommy Murphy.
It’s in the center of the park where the sparks will fly as Postal’s Andy Maher, captain Pat Lester and Derry Hartnett face the speedy Donal O’Leary, Noel Kent and Ger Power. Both teams have plenty in reserve and it might be expected that changes will be made such will be the pace and ferocity of the battle.
Much loved and respected referee Derry Barrett is, as he always had been, the man for the big occasion and will be ably assisted by Robbie Gregan and Paddy O’Mahony. Kevin Coughlan is the fourth official.
CIE Ath. (Panel for CBL Champions Super Cup Final):
Goalkeeper: Peter Gregson.
Defenders: Chris McCarthy, Jerry Sheehan, Davie Desmond (capt.), Noel Kelleher, Hughie Barriscale, John O’Regan.
Midfielders: Donal O’Leary, Patsy McCormack, Dommie Murphy, Noel Kent, Ger Power.
Strikers: Tommy Murphy, Henry O’Connor, Thomas Hawkins, Paddy Busteed, Pat Downey, John Deasy.
Manager(s): Jackie Carroll, Joe Harrington and John Donovan.
Postal Workers (Panel for CBL Champions Super Cup Final):
Goalkeeper: Tom Archer.
Defenders: Philip Clifford, John McGrath, Cormac Sheehan, Denis O’Leary, Jerry Browne, Tim Donovan, Tony Guest, John Brackett
Midfielders: Derry Hartnett, Andy Maher, John Browne, Pat Lester (capt.).
Strikers: Pat Hurley, John Reid, Tom Barry, Nicky Byrnes, Ger Frahill.
Manager(s): Tony Daly and Harry Harte.
FOOT-NOTE: The third and fourth place match between Youghal Yarns and Doolan’s Cow the evening before also at Turner’s Cross, kick-off 7.30 pm, brings together the only two teams to have won all four competing trophies in the one season. Like the final. this is another fascinating encounter offering contrasting styles as Youghal’s direct approach will be tested by the fast-paced, intricate passing, and quick-breaking style of Doolan’s.
Referee Damien O’Mahony steps into the middle along with assistants Denis Morley and Connie Long. Bertie Stark gets the nod as the fourth official.
