JAFC: Canovee's dominance bodes well for their chances at Premier Junior next year
Canovee players celebrate after defeating Mayfield in the Bon Secours Cork Junior 'A' FC final at Pairc Ui Rinn. Picture; Eddie O'Hare
THE 16-year wait concluded last night for Canovee – their dominant 4-14 to 1-11 win over Mayfield capped off three first class wins as they were crowned Junior A Football Championship winners for the fourth time.
First, facing Lisgoold in the quarters, they thumped the Imokilly champions 5-13 to 0-6. They followed that up with another incredible win – 4-11 to 1-6 against Castlemagner.
Mayfield were always going to be up against it, but with Darragh McMahon finding the back of the net three times on the night, the tie was only ever going one way.
“It’s amazing, it’s a great feeling,” says Darragh McMahon. “This has been a long time coming. The last time was in 2007. We came close last year. Kilmurry got the better of us, but we’re just looking forward to playing Premier Junior right now.
“We said at the start of this year that we wanted to win the county, that was the goal. If we didn’t win the county, it wasn’t a success,” he explains. “We’ll take it as it comes next year.”
Undoubtedly the hero on the night, the win meant far more to McMahon than the three goals.
“It could have been any of the forwards, we have six scoring forwards,” Darragh says. “Even our backs are able to score, our midfielders are able to score. It was nice to get the goals, but as long as we win that’s the main thing.”
Canovee have been exceptional all year long, but what does it come down to?
“Training,” Darragh replies. “I feel like [it’s] the standard in training, you’re marking lads in training who are top quality, and the intensity in training all year has been brilliant. We’ve a good bunch of lads.”
Manager John O’Brien was just as thrilled with their triumph, after what has been a gruelling season for the club.
“I’m delighted for the lads; it’s been a long year. We actually started back with strength and conditioning this time last year, so it's been a full year and the lads have been hugely committed,” says John.
“They've won everything that’s there to be won and tonight they can be very proud of themselves. We're very proud of them as a club.
“We can sit back now, and we'll definitely enjoy Christmas anyway. I think the lads will start planning again for next year then after that.
“We'll enjoy it now; I think they deserve it.”
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