Preview: Can Mayo champions Tooreen reach the All-Ireland final?

THE latest chapter on the incredible journey of the Tooreen hurlers will unfold on Sunday when they take on Tyrone and Ulster champions Éire Óg from Carrickmore, in the All Ireland intermediate semi final at Breffni Park, Cavan. The game throws-in at 2pm.

The winners will play either Danesfort from Kilkenny or Upperchurch-Drumbane from Tipperary who meet in the other semi-final on Sunday and the All Ireland Final will be played in Croker on either Saturday or Sunday, January 10 or 11.

Carrickmore defeated St Patrick's, Lisbellaw, the Fermanagh champions, in the Ulster Final in Clones on a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-15 to secure their first provincial title while Tooreen had a deserved victory over Meelick-Eyrecourt from Galway to secure their sixth Connacht crown.

READ MORE: Tooreen are Connacht champions again after big win in Roscommon

The Tooreen side will approach the semi final with ample caution and memories of their semi final match against Liatroim Fontenoys of Down in 2022 where they eventually emerged victorious on a scoreline of 1-18 to 1-14 after a keenly-contested encounter that remained in the balance to the final whistle.

Manager Ray Larkin says they are all set for the game in Cavan and, with the exception of the injured captain, Danny Huane, have a clean bill of health ahead of the big game.

“We were in Clones for the Ulster final and Carrickmore are a big and physical team. They have plenty of talent among their ranks and Ulster titles are not easily won.

“We will concentrate on our own strengths and hopefully we will get settled into the game from the early stages. The lads were in top form against St Gabriel’s (London) and Meelick-Eyrecourt so we are hoping they will replicate that form in Breffni Park on Sunday.”

From goalie Bobby Douglas to corner forward Shane Boland, Tooreen delivered an exemplary performance against the Galway champions in Hyde Park. After a below par display against Four Roads of Roscommon in the provincial quarter-final, they were certainly on song in their last two games.

Carrickmore is steeped in the GAA tradition in Tyrone and the place is often referred to locally as ‘Carmen.’ There is an amazing link to Mayo when the foresight and vision of the club officials saw them purchase the iconic Nally Stand from Croke Park, dismantle it and re-erect it exactly as it was at their grounds in Carrickmore. The stand is named after the famous PW Nally from Balla and it was officially reopened in 2007.

Meanwhile, Breffni Park is ready to welcome the supporters from Mayo and Tyrone on Sunday afternoon. Excitement is mounting among Mayo GAA folk ahead of the game in Breffni Park which will be broadcast live on Midwest Radio and also live-streamed on TG4 you-tube channel.

The Tooreen panel are hoping to deliver a good result ahead of Christmas and, hopefully, be back in training for another attempt at All Ireland glory in Croke Park in early January.

VERDICT: TOOREEN