Jude’s just one step away from the top prize in Dublin hurling
By William O'Connor
ST JUDE’S senior hurlers will be hoping to create their own bit of club history on Saturday by landing the Dublin Senior Hurling Championship crown for the first time.
The Templeogue side are one step away from the top prize in Dublin hurling, but standing in their way of the honour is a strong Cuala outfit, themselves, hungry to lift the coveted prize in Parnell Park.
This encounter has the prospects of an exciting title showdown with Cuala having lost the final in 2012 while Jude’s went down in the decider in 2014.
Jude’s will be aiming to go one step further than last year and going on recent performances they will be brimming with confidence.
They beat last year’s champions Kilmacud Crokes after extra time in the quarter-finals, having had to demonstrate plenty of battling qualities to surmount this hurdle.
They followed this up with a hard-fought win over a highly-rated Lucan Sarsfields team in the semi-final.
Cuala, likewise, have a strong outfit and they will be no pushovers certainly going on their victory over Ballyboden St Enda’s in the semi-final.
Mark Schutte is a vital player for Cuala and his six points from play in the semi-final was an impressive return.
David Treacy and Colm Cronin are other players who will cause problems for the Templeogue side and will have to be closely watched.
However Sean Fallon’s St Jude’s side have gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months and they will be looking to go one step further than last year.
Dublin hurler Danny Sutcliffe will have a key role to play for Jude’s and could wll prove the difference at the finish as his experience will be vital.
Sutcliffe can quickly turn games around and if he can get on top around the half forward line this could be crucial for Jude’s.
Fionn O’Riain Broin is a vital member of the Jude’s attack and is lethal in front of goal while Paul Maguire and Tom Devlin could prove match winners.
The addition of Wayne Hutchinson this year has strengthened Jude’s and his experience will also be very important.
Hutchinson has played inter-county hurling with his native Waterford and his experience will, no doubt, aid the Templeogue side’s cause.
In the quarter-final against Kilmacud Crokes he sent over two crucial frees that proved the difference and he has strengthened the team around the half back line.
Jude’s defence will have to be alert to the Cuala dangermen and big performances will be required from the likes of Ciaran Mangan, Ronan Joyce and Rob Hardy.
Paul Maguire and Neal Mangan will also have their hands full around midfield, but if they can get the edge Jude’s will push the Dalkey side all the way.
