UCC Demons coach Danny O'Mahony happy with the season just ended

O’Mahony, who guided Demons from Division 1 and then led them to win the Pat Duffy National Cup back in January reflected on a season of interest.
UCC Demons coach Danny O'Mahony happy with the season just ended

UCC Blue Demons head coach Daniel O'Mahony celebrates with assistant coaches Tim O'Halloran and Stuart Rodgers

IT'S a week after the Men’s Super League ended for UCC Demons but coach Danny O’Mahony has other priorities on his mind with his wife Jodie expecting their second child in a fortnight.

O’Mahony, who guided Demons from Division 1 and then led them to win the Pat Duffy National Cup back in January reflected on a season of interest.

“Last night I spoke to our Americans Seventh Woods and Elijah Tillman about our season and looking at the future as both players will spend a few days in the States before packing their bags again to play for a few months in South America,” he said.

Having a good relationship with your professionals is important according to O’Mahony.

 Happy Birthday Danny..... Coach Danny O'Mahony is congratulated after the win, by his mum Norma. UCC Demons smiles at the end of overtime. Energywise Ireland Neptune vs UCC Demons in the InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup semi-final at Neptune Stadium, Cork. Pic Larry Cummins
Happy Birthday Danny..... Coach Danny O'Mahony is congratulated after the win, by his mum Norma. UCC Demons smiles at the end of overtime. Energywise Ireland Neptune vs UCC Demons in the InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup semi-final at Neptune Stadium, Cork. Pic Larry Cummins

“Look everybody knows the impact that MJ Randolph had last season and how he got such a lucrative contract in Switzerland after playing with us, but on the other side of the coin he opened doors to other agents that we could reach out to in the future when looking for players,” he added.

In the words of O’Mahony getting a big player at the start of last season was challenge.

“We are not a big team so we needed a big post player but the reality is that inches cost big bucks and we ended up signing Zoe Tyson but sadly it didn’t work out for either party.

“Thankfully, Zoe signed with Templeogue as he was a very decent young man and we ended up bringing in D’Andre Johnson who was released from Plymouth.” 

In the words of O’Mahony an injury to Seventh Woods hurt them big time and he had to make another astute move to fill his boots.

“Luckily Da’Kaquann Davis was released by Limerick Eagles and he did a great job in helping us defeat Belfast Star in the cup but it was tough for him as he knew that Seventh Woods would return following his injury.” 

Moving forward when Woods did return his combination with Johnson wasn’t what coach O’Mahony had hoped for and at Christmas another move was needed as he signed Elijah Tillman who was the trump card for the remainder of the campaign.

“I knew it was a big call but look I knew what Elijah would bring to the table and from his first game at Christmas against Moycullen he never let the side down and was brilliant in our cup success.” 

UCC Blue Demons’ head coach Daniel O'Mahony Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
UCC Blue Demons’ head coach Daniel O'Mahony Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Tillman became a fans and players favourite and coach O’Mahony wasn’t surprised.

“Elijah brought a new pep in the step to the squad as his attitude at training impressed the lads and suddenly we looked a different squad with his power and personality.” 

The first test for Elijah was the cup semi-final against arch rivals Neptune and he came through it with flying colours with Demons winning the game after extra time.

The following week Demons lost a 28 point lead at Tralee Warriors in the Super League but O’Mahony steadied the ship as they got ready for their cup final against Ballincollig.

“We went to Dublin with everybody healthy and we had to produce a solid second half display before winning but overall it was truly a team performance.” 

The league form continued to be the elephant in the room as some fans were worried about getting into a relegation battle but O’Mahony was always confident his side would be okay.

“I suppose it’s easy to say now when it didn’t happen but we knew with the teams we had to play at the Mardyke that once we got our act together that we were capable of clinching the final spot from the southern conference.” 

In the coming weeks Danny will sit down with Demons hierarchy and reflect on the season but at this present time he will be available to take up the role again next season.

To be fair, Demons are on of the few clubs in the Super League that afford decent minutes to Irish players and O’Mahony believes the squad can improve next season.

“It’s down time for everybody and look I am sure that mistakes were made on my end but I am a human being and I am not afraid to admit there are things I need to do better next season but that’s a challenge for all coaches,” concluded Danny.

UCC Demons head coach Danny O'Mahony in his role at National Sales Manager with PV Generation.
UCC Demons head coach Danny O'Mahony in his role at National Sales Manager with PV Generation.

We wish Danny and Jodie the very of best of luck with the new addition to their family.

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