THERE was a natural air of relief following Duhallow’s hard earned 1-20 to 1-18 win over Bride Rovers in the Cork Senior Hurling Championship at Páirc Uí Rinn last Sunday.

For Duhallow and Cork Senior hurling goalkeeper Anthony Nash this result was a huge boost for the division.

The north Cork side had only 19 players at their disposal but Nash was upbeat about his side's performance.

“Sadly that’s the way it is with divisional teams but the lads that are here today consistently turn up and that’s what makes the win a little sweeter,” said Anthony Nash.

Nash took time to reflect on their campaign to date.

“We played well enough against Youghal in the first round but in reality, Sars were a bit too good for us despite putting in a good first half,” added Nash.

“I thought today we beat a decent Bride Rovers side as we only meet up the day before a game and try put in a performance.

“It was touch and go at the end but look there is plenty of spirit in the camp and we needed it when the game hung in the balance.” 

The future of divisional sides participating in the Cork Senior hurling championship is up for debate again following Muskerry’s inability to field a team against Erin’s Own on Sunday.

“It’s funny really because Imokilly seem to be consistently strong and organised but for me, the guys that support divisional sides basically do it because they want to play senior hurling.

“The reality is that many players in the divisions would never get the opportunity to play at the top level.

“It would be a shame if the divisions were denied a place in the senior championship but for now we will have to sit back and play a waiting game.” 

It has been a great season for Nash both at club and inter-county level as he reflected on the season to date.

“Everything is going well but we have a huge game in four weeks and that’s all we are concentrating on right now.

“It is difficult at Kanturk as there are three of us in the Cork senior hurling panel and two with the footballers so that is difficult for our club mates.” 

As this interview was concluding Nash pointed out to me what playing in the senior championship means to Duhallow.

“Look at the lads over there in a huddle as it’s not their fault other players refuse to turn up but as our manager Jim O’Sullivan consistently reminds us the guys that want to play will be there on any given day.”