Paudie Kissane on why the pain of a big defeat can inspire players to new heights

I'M well aware of the disappointment felt by Newcestown when Éire Óg, who I was involved with, defeated them in the Premier Senior relegation final last year. 

The grades are so competitive now and county titles are so difficult to win, so relegation can be devastating. There can be great pride in seeing your top team compete at the top level but once relegated who knows when you might get that chance again? 

Massive credit to them for how they turned it around in 12 months, the feeling at the final whistle last Saturday must have been magic.

In the semi-final win over Newmarket, Newcestown while under pressure defensively early but never panicked and let it affect other parts of their game. 

It was the same after Dohenys had a blistering start. Newcestown stuck to the task, showing for the ball, linking up the play and either tracking runners or filling space defensively.

How often do we see a team struggle in one area of their game and it spreads like a virus; poor shot selection leads to soft turnovers, which in turn leads to poor work-rate and discipline. 

This was not the case with Newcestown who despite having a few unforced errors early on showed composure.

Considering the wind, a key element was in the second quarter where Newcestown rattled off three quick scores to reduce the deficit to the minimum. Suddenly, for all Dohenys' good play, they were only a point ahead.

Battle-hardened and confident from all their wins this year it is easy to see why Newcestown stayed composed. While not an old team by any means, they have a lot of experience and balance. Many have been with Cork at different levels or at Premier Senior before. 

It was a team performance no doubt but key was their top players were all heavily involved.

Sometimes we judge a team or player by what is on the scoreboard. Yes, obviously scoring is important but there can be occasions where the performance is quite good except for conversions rate or shot selection.

There was an excitement leading into the game to see how Fionn Herlihy would go considering how well he had played in the semi-final win over Knocknagree. Fionn was never going to match the semi-final performance but still, he didn’t have the impact that he and Dohenys had hoped for. 

I am sure when he reflects, there will be lessons that will stand to him and make him a better player. 

Any top player will tell you it is the struggles that contributed greatly to their subsequent improvement long term.

You can’t beat experience and you have to live through something before you understand what needs to be done.

Dohenys will have regrets as they started the game really well. There was a forward intent, looking to kick it in or support running at pace early. 

Some of their scores in the first half were top-class. Unfortunately in the second half, there was too many errors as more ball had to be carried due to the conditions and Newcestown’s discipline. These errors were then compounded by rash tackling on the chase back. Once Dohenys were reduced to 14 men you felt it was game over.

A highlight of the first half in fact was the amount of chances that involved a kick pass into the scoring area from both teams. This was even when space was at a premium. This time of year I think the excellent pitch conditions in Páirc Uí Chaoimh are a factor.

MOBILE

There was a period after half-time, where I felt the few long-range scoring misses might come back to haunt Newcestown. That was not to be the case as David Buckley ensured the game was won easily in the end. 

Getting in the right place at the right time and shooting confidently. Buckley is another player who has had injuries and disappointments to deal with 

He appears lighter and more mobile, very important in the modern game. It is vital player still has that athleticism as they gain in strength and size. 

I must also acknowledge Cill Na Matra’s comprehensive win over Kilmihil. I would imagine the place is lifting at the moment after finally making the breakthrough. 

If anything the hunger and enthusiasm has increased as they go in search of more glory. It will be interesting to see how this journey unfolds.