Ballyhegan are facing into unknown territory this weekend as they take on a new opponent, Clann Eireann IIs.
The two teams competed in different sections of the league and haven’t crossed swords with each other at all.
“They’ve but a really good string of victories together across this championship,” said Ballyhegan captain Paul McQuade.
“I’d say they’ve maybe been the dark horses of this competition and they have some really, really good players to look out for in their team.
“It’s an unknown really. At least with some of the previous teams we’ve played in this competition, we had the dry run against them. But against Clann Eireann, we really can’t take these guys lightly.
“We haven’t played them before so we’re going to be expecting them to come out in full force against us on Saturday night.”
The excitement is building in Ballyhegan as the throw in time edges closer. “It’s been brilliant. The excitement has just sort of filtered through to the younger lads in the club and the underage teams and that.
“There’s a real good buzz about the club at the minute, we just can’t wait to Saturday,” added McQuade.
“It’s a great honour to represent Ballyhegan as captain and we’re really looking forward to taking on Clann Eireann.”
Ballyhegan battled past Division 3A league champions Clonmore to reach the final. McQuade believes that test will stand to his side.
“You’re always going to be up against it with a team like Clonmore,” recalled the Ballyhegan defender.
“It was a local derby and I suppose over the years it’s been very tight; we might have grabbed a win against them and then vice versa.
“But we just about got over the line with that one and we’re looking forward to the final now this weekend.”
