Four Roads remain as hungry as ever — Wade

In what will be the club’s 58th county senior hurling final appearance, Four Roads manager Kerril Wade insists that the hunger to win on the biggest stage still flows through his side’s veins.

This year, Wade took over a group that had cantered to county final glory over the past two seasons. There was always set to be an adjustment period when he arrived at the helm, especially with a large contingent trying to help St. Aidan’s secure an immediate return to intermediate football. But, after a shaky start, the defending champions have gone unbeaten in the championship alongside claiming league silverware.

Despite being favourites on Sunday, Wade states that the group’s inner drive has helped them to avoid any notions of overlooking a resurgent St. Dominic’s outfit.

“It is all player-driven because they are a very driven bunch. They want to perform to their best every day they go out and Sunday will be no different. They are really looking forward to it, so it will be a good test. We are all really looking forward to it.

“We sense a huge hunger in the group. We drew with them the first day out, so we want to put that right on Sunday,” the Four Roads managed noted.

The Sarsfields man is relishing the prospect of his side competing in Dr. Hyde Park. It will be the first county hurling final to be held in Roscommon’s county grounds since Pádraig Pearses defeated Athleague in the 2020 showpiece.

Consequently, Wade is excited to see the two form teams throughout this year’s championship collide on the biggest domestic stage.

“It’s no problem for us playing in the Hyde. For both Dominic’s and Four Roads, there will be a great buzz going in and playing there. It is one of the finest stadiums in Ireland, so I am sure everyone is buzzing to get in there and strut their stuff,” he noted.

After striking late to rescue a draw against St. Dominic’s in the opening round of this year’s championship, Four Roads have built steadily.

Despite a less than impressive semi-final triumph, Wade isn’t worried by his side’s showing against Roscommon Gaels.

“The semi-final was tough. There was a tricky wind. It was so hard on both teams, so there was no real flow to it. It was a stop-start game with so many frees. It didn’t suit the Gaels. It didn’t suit us. But that day is in the past.

“Hopefully Sunday will be a right good game of hurling and I want to wish the officials luck. They will play a big part in it and, hopefully, they’ll let both teams go at it because it could be a great final.

“We needed to improve on things, and I feel we have. This will be our biggest test. Dominic’s are the form team and are putting up huge scores. While they are going to be our biggest test, we will be their biggest test also, so it is going to be a cracking game of hurling. We are really looking forward to it,” he concluded.