WATCH: Shane O’Neill “It’s the pinnacle to be there on March 17 in the club final.”

For the second time in three years, Shane O’Neill will take his Na Piarsaigh side to Croke Park on St Patrick’s day for the All Ireland club hurling final. This time its the Dublin kingpins Cuala who stand in their way. Ahead of the final O’Neill reflected on the importance of the game to the club and the work that has gone on behind the scenes at the club over the last number of years.

“It’s the pinnacle to be there on March 17 in the club final. I think for the community itself it’s been fantastic. We’re expecting a big crowd and that shows important it is to the community. It gives an excitement and something for the kids to look forward to.”

“Success breeds success and when you look at your flagship team which should always be the senior team and when you’re seeing the success there and more importantly the training and what the boys have put down.”

“The ground is always busy and you can see the amount of work that goes in and is required at that level.”

Reigning champions Cuala are a highly dangerous side littered with class. Last campaign they rolled over everyone on their way to a maiden triumph. This campaign has followed a similar pattern. Con O’Callaghan among others have been all but unstoppable on their quest to retain the title. O’Neill is not taking the Cuala test lightly.

“I’d expect it would be a lot closer, a score between the winners and losers on Saturday. Cuala are an exceptional side, really well drilled, really good top class inter county players, as we have ourselves.”

Furthermore, O’Neill has commended his players on the characters they showed in their semi-final dismissal of Slaughtneil where they were reduced to 13 just after half time before running out 3-15 to 3-8. Yet the game has come at a cost with both Conor Boylan and Thomas Grimes now ruled out through suspension.

“They dealt with that at half time themselves. Came back out and got the first two points of the half straight away. Then they showed the character they have when we were down to 13.”

“There was leadership in every line. Different guys stood up, your inter-county men, your key men, straight down the middle when you look at it… Right through the team, everyone worked so hard.”

“(On the suspension) Huge loss. Conor and Tommy have been a mainstay. Tommy right throughout the season, Conor came on in the County Final and since.”

Yet, O’Neill is confident in his side and believes they have a squad well capable for the challenge.

“We’ve used 23/24 players throughout the season so we’ve 23/24 players well well capable of performing

Watch the interview in full on the link below.