Urhan footballers enjoying this PJFC campaign and have a semi final to look forward to

THE weather was awful, a slight smell of slurry tinged the air from an adjoining field but Urhan’s players, mentors and supporters didn’t care one iota.

Last Saturday evening’s gutsy Bon Secours Cork Premier JFC quarter-final win over Millstreet was attained despite monsoon conditions.

The Beara club were still on the St Colum’s GAA pitch in Kealkill long after the final whistle had shrilled. 

A place in the last four of the county’s newest Cork GAA football grade was Urhan’s reward and, rain or no rain, boy, were they going to savour the moment.

It was hard to blame them.

For too many years, Urhan has been the odd team out as the solitary junior A ranked club down in Beara. 

Time and again, despite their best efforts, lack of competitive games cost Urhan when it mattered in the county championship knockout stages.

That is no longer the case thanks to the newly introduced Cork Premier JFC.

Urhan have certainly seized their opportunity, winning two and drawing another of this year’s Group A round-robin games prior to facing Millstreet in last weekend’s quarter-final.

Level 0-3 apiece at the end of a forgettable opening half, Urhan overcame the concession of a Millstreet goal to finish with ten points (no mean feat in such bad conditions) and cemented a county semi-final meeting with St Finbarr’s on Saturday, October 7th.

The fact that last-four clash is being held in Rossmore rather than Páirc Uí Chaoimh will come as a disappointment to Urhan and their supporters. 

Sadly, the same goes for the Beara region’s other county semi-finalists with Adrigole travelling to Kilmurry and Castletownbere going to Bantry.

Irrespective of where their semi-final takes place, Urhan are just looking forward to the challenge of attempting to reach a county decider.

“We are delighted because that was a massive battle with Millstreet,” said Urhan player-manager Martin McCarthy.

“I’m delighted for our supporters as they have been outstanding for us over the last four or five games. 

"That win was for them more than anyone else.

“A massive battle, a massive battle. I suppose the conditions contributed to that but thankfully the pitch was in great shape and held up. "Just when we think we can’t get any more off these lads, they just keep coming up with performances like this and refuse to die out there.” 

The spine of Urhan’s current line-up is as talented as any in the Premier JFC grade.

Full-back Conor O’Sullivan had another good outing against Millstreet while centre-back Joseph O’Shea also caught the eye. 

O’Shea’s versatility in effectively man-marking Neil Flahive was balanced by the defender’s ability to constantly join Urhan’s attack.

Alan Elphick’s superb midfield performance was important with an injured Alan O’Sullivan standing on the side-line. 

As with Phillip O’Shea, Elphick’s ability to be as effective in defence as he is in attack saw the midfielder contribute three important points.

Perhaps Urhan’s biggest positive is that the Beara side don’t rely on one forward for the bulk of their scores.

Ben Sullivan, Phillip O’Shea and Conchubar Harrington’s willingness to work hard off the ball and setup the best positioned team mate for scores was telling against a well-drilled Millstreet defence.

Add in Martin McCarthy causing havoc on the edge of the square plus Vincent Lehane and Conor Lowney adding points off the bench and this is an Urhan panel capable of going deep in this year’s Cork Premier JFC.

“Playing three tough group games has been hugely important for us and it has definitely brought on all the players on our panel,” Martin McCarthy added.

“These are the games we needed. You won’t test lads unless you are in this kind of competitive environment. 

"That’s why playing these (county) championship games is so massive for our club.

“These lads are winners; they want to win and do their best for Urhan.” 

Martin McCarthy and his players are certainly making the most of the opportunity to play regular, county championship games.

A county semi-final win over St Finbarr’s would represent another positive step forward for the progressive Beara club.

“Reaching a county final would be massive for Urhan football. Look, we will get over tonight first, enjoy the dinner and a pint before we start preparing for St Finbarr’s,” McCarthy added.

Urhan have earned the right to enjoy a tasty dinner and the odd few pints.