By Paddy Hickey Rory McCarthy is banking on midfield aces Eoin Quigley and Diarmuid 'Gizzy' Lyng to blunt Birr's brilliance when St Martin's face up to the crack Offaly outfit on Sunday. According to former inter-county star McCarthy, the two current Slaneyside stars played massive parts in the Saints' shock win over the star-studded Oulart-The Ballagh side in the Wexford final 11 days ago. "Eoin and 'Gizzy' are the engine room of our team, and the rest of the team is built around them,"  revealed McCarthy, as he looked forward to his side's Leinster Club Hurling Championship semi-final at Tullamore. "The two of them were really exceptional in the county final, and in fact, it was probably the best I ever saw them play for the club. "Oulart went into the county final as strong favourites. But thanks to the dominance of Eoin and 'Gizzy' in the middle of the field, we went 10 points ahead at one stage of the second half. "If the two lads play anywhere near as well on Sunday, it will give us a great chance against Birr." Further big plusses for the south Wexford outfit, who will be appearing in the provincial competition for the first time since 1999, are that dual star Ciaran Lyng is set to figure in the starting line-up, and that they have two excellent free-takers in Diarmuid Lyng and another county player, Barry Lambert. Because of his role with the International Rules squad in Australia, Ciaran Lyng, a brother of Diarmuid, missed the county semi-final and only returned home a few days prior to the clash with Oulart. "Ciaran came on after 20 minutes, and picked up a lot of ball, and scored a point," said McCarthy. "He has the ability to make a major contribution for us against Birr. "As well, we're very fortunate to have two such fine free-takers in 'Gizzy' and Barry. In the county semi-final, 'Gizzy' missed a few, and Barry took over, and the positions were reversed in the county final." McCarthy, whose wife gave birth to their first child - a boy - four days ago, largely figured at midfield or in attack during his 14 years of outstanding service in the Wexford colours. But he will wearing the No 6 jersey against the seven-time Leinster champions. "I've been playing at centre half-back for the club for the last five years," pointed out McCarthy (33), who retired from the inter-county scene following the 2007 Championship campaign. Unsurprisingly, the St Martin's stalwart admits that Birr deserve the favourites' tag as they bid to take another step in their bid to retain the Leinster title. "I watched Birr's county final match against Kinnity - on television - and they looked a very accomplished side," he said. "They have at least nine fellas who have played senior for Offaly, and they showed in the match against Ballyboden St Endas (1-17 to 0-8 winners) that despite being on the go for so long, they haven't lost any of their hunger or desire." Tweet

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