Tooreen B could complete first part of a club double but Westport look on track for junior success

WESTPORT'S decision to drop down to junior A level this year appears to be paying dividends, though just how inspired a decision it was will become clear today when they face Tooreen B in the Tom Earley Cup final today at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar (4 p.m.).

“We decided to go down to junior last year and rebuild from there,” said Westport manager Stephen Broderick. “For us it was a case of going up against Tooreen and Ballyhaunis at senior level and losing games by big margins. When losing games by anything up to 30 points it is hard to generate any great interest in hurling in our area.

"So, by coming back down to junior and being able to compete and getting to a county final will only help to regain the interest in hurling in Westport.”

Reaching the final was no easy feat as they lost one game of three played en route to the decider, and Tooreen's B team are a formidable opponent.

“We are well aware what a good side Tooreen are, and we know they will have a few players back for the final which is going to make it more difficult on us. But we are ready for a good battle and one which should be very close throughout. Hopefully, we can perform on the day and see what happens.”

Westport team captain Colin Staunton feels they have a good chance of winning but knows they are facing a very strong opponent in the decider.

On the Tooreen side, Davog Freyne – a man in his 10th year of adult hurling even though he's just 26 – knows a tough test awaits this afternoon. “We played Westport in the first round. We lost that day, but I suppose we learned a few lessons along the way.”

Of course, Tooreen are used to success. “I suppose that's what we're used to; trying to give it the best shot every year. It's all about starting again when the new season comes around. That's how we've always done it in Tooreen.”

The Tooreen B team is managed by Ray Larkin, who also looks after A team affairs, and the junior championship has been quite enjoyable with four teams involved (Ballina Stephenites and Moytura in addition to the two finalists). Tooreen also competed in the Cuchulainn Cup this year, so all in all they've had quite a number of games at this level.

“We won the junior last year against Ballina but this year against Westport will be a different animal as they were senior last year. But our juniors are training with the seniors so that ups their game a bit,” said Ray.

Throw-in is at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar.

- Reporting by Brian Gillespie and Aiden Henry