Hession ready for first All-Ireland semi-final

After four All-Ireland intermediate semi-finals in a row, one would presume that the Tooreen hurlers would be used to these occasions, but it will be a novel day for young Conal Hession.

Next weekend’s clash against Cork’s Castlelyons will be Hession’s first-ever All-Ireland semi-final. It’s been a breakthrough year for the young defender, who broke into the team having sat on the bench in 2022. Hession was a forward last year, but he has made his home in the backline this season.

Hession was man-of-the-match in Tooreen’s 0-13 to 0-8 county final win over Ballyhaunis in October. He made a crucial block from Ciarán McDermott as Ballyhaunis were in search of a goal.

“It’s my first one to be properly playing in. The rest of the lads will be well used to it, but you have to prepare as much as you can, it’s All-Ireland semi-final, so anything can happen,” Hession told the Western People. “As many times as you’re there, it’s still going to be tough on the day.

“A small bit yeah, not yet but there will be [nerves], I’ll distract myself for as long as I can but by Thursday and Friday, I will be well nervous for it!” Hession was delighted to break into the team this year and he will be hoping to keep that blue jersey.

“I was on the subs bench for two or three years before this year and I just couldn't make my breakthrough, I was playing in the forwards for a while, and it was a tough forward line to get into. This year, the lads put me at corner-back and it just worked out, I’m there now anyways!” Seán Kenny played midfield in Tooreen’s last two All-Ireland semi-finals in their defeat to Naas in 2021 and their win over Liatrom Fontenoys in 2022. However, it was bitter disappointment for the Blue Devils in last January's cruel 1-17 to 1-15 defeat in the All-Ireland final to Monaleen.

The East Mayo outfit led going into the final five minutes but were pipped in the end after a fantastic performance. Kenny is looking to go one better this year.

“That’s the whole plan at the start of this year, not just to get back to Croke Park, but to right the wrongs of last year and get over the line this year. We’ve taken every game step by step so far, but the aim is to get over the line and win an All-Ireland title,” Kenny said.

It was difficult for Hession watching the All-Ireland final in the stand.

“It was a savage game, and it was some experience for the club and the whole village. It was tough watching on the sideline and wishing you could play. I knew I wasn’t going to be part of it, but it was tough.” In their way of getting to Croker again is Castlelyons, who defeated Clare champions Corofin in the Munster intermediate final, Kenny knows the threat they pose.

“We’ll get our homework done this week, but we do know a good bit about them. They’re a serious outfit, big strong men and just like any Cork club, they love their hurling. They’re a physical side and are strong all over the pitch,” Kenny said. “They have county experience with Niall O’Leary and the two Spillane brothers, but if you look at our team, so do we.”