Abbeyside-Ballinacourty and The Nire will battle for a place in the Waterford Senior Football Championship final this Sunday evening, with both managers expecting a fiercely contested encounter.

The sides meet in the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Senior Football Championship semi-final at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, with throw-in at 6 pm.

Abbeyside-Ballinacourty come into the game following an impressive 2-13 to 1-4 quarter-final victory over Dungarvan last weekend, while The Nire have had three weeks to prepare for their return to championship action.

Speaking to WLR Sport, The Nire manager Richard O’Keeffe admitted that the extended break has presented challenges, but believes his side have benefited from the opportunity to regroup.

The Nire were pushed all the way by Kilrossanty in their previous outing, a game which finished level and provided plenty of lessons for O’Keeffe and his players.

He acknowledged that his side had struggled to find their usual intensity on that occasion but feels the additional preparation time has helped them rediscover their focus.

O’Keeffe also praised Kilrossanty’s performance, highlighting the quality of Alan Dunwoody and the difficulties his side encountered during that contest.

With several players having enjoyed a successful hurling campaign, the Nire manager believes the break has arrived at an important time.

He said the squad have enjoyed several productive training sessions over the past three weeks and are looking forward to Sunday’s challenge.

The Nire manager is under no illusions about the task awaiting his players against Abbeyside-Ballinacourty.

He highlighted the similarities between the two clubs, particularly the crossover between their hurling and football panels, and expects a closely fought encounter.

O’Keeffe also praised Abbeyside-Ballinacourty manager Benji Whelan and the structure he has brought to the team.

The Nire were beaten by Abbeyside-Ballinacourty during last year’s group stages, and O’Keeffe believes both sides know each other extremely well.

He said his management team had been preparing for the possibility of facing Abbeyside-Ballinacourty and believes The Nire have the quality required to secure victory.

Abbeyside-Ballinacourty manager Benji Whelan believes his side are beginning to produce the type of football he has been working towards over the past three seasons.

Their quarter-final victory over Dungarvan came in difficult weather conditions at Fraher Field, but Whelan was particularly pleased with how his players adapted.

He praised their handling, movement and willingness to keep things simple despite the challenging conditions.

Whelan believes the performance was among the best his side have produced during his time in charge.

The Abbeyside-Ballinacourty manager also highlighted the importance of players breaking forward from deeper positions, with Brian Looby, Seanie Callaghan and Willie Beresford contributing to the team’s attacking approach.

He explained that playing with speed and fluidity has been a major focus of his management team, but acknowledged that developing that style takes time.

Whelan believes his players are now beginning to show the benefits of that work.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s encounter, Whelan described The Nire as a direct, physical and energetic side capable of causing serious problems.

He expects a demanding contest between two clubs determined to return to the top of Waterford football.

Whelan believes Abbeyside-Ballinacourty are making progress towards the standards they expect of themselves, while The Nire will be equally determined to build on their successful hurling campaign.

He also stressed the importance of facing strong opposition if a team hopes to compete beyond the county championship.

Both managers believe Sunday’s meeting will provide a significant examination of their respective sides, with a place in next weekend’s county final awaiting the winners.

The other semi-final takes place earlier on Sunday afternoon, when reigning champions Rathgormack face Gaultier at Azzurri Walsh Park.

Throw-in for that encounter is at 2 pm, before Abbeyside-Ballinacourty and The Nire meet at Fraher Field at 6pm.