Barrs selector John Cremin on finding form as the league progresses

ON a beautiful Sunday morning for hurling the Barrs faithful enjoyed the sunshine but the biggest plus to come out of their 2-24 to 0-16 RedFM Senior Hurling League win over Newtownshandrum was the quality hurling they produced over the hour.

Plenty of top-class displays but Ben Cunningham, returning from a recent injury, showed why he rated one of the best strikers of a ball in this city or county with a 12-point contribution.

Naturally, his father and team manager Ger looked pleased after this latest win their third of the campaign but it was selector John Cremin who gave his assessment on the game.

“Look it was a solid performance because anytime you score 2-24 you are doing something right and after months of bad weather the sod is firming up and I think many teams will improve in the coming weeks,” he said.

The Barrs defeated Bride Rovers, Fermoy and drew with Éire Óg before this game and Cremin believes the squad is doing well without some key players.

“I am not going to name the guys that are to come into the panel but we are delighted with the brand of hurling we are playing and hopefully we can further improve when we get some more games under our belt.

“When you are in management it is always pleasing to see players expressing themselves with their various talents and today was easy on the eye for all of us,” he added.

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Newtownshandrum started this game well but Cremin believes his side had to respond in the manner they did over the hour.

“You saw they had a high press on the lads but once the players figured out how to break it we then went into overdrive but credit to Newtown they had some battling performers for long periods.

“We had a game plan and the players didn’t go away from it and once we moved up a gear it was clear Newtown were struggling to contain us.” 

The Barrs are targeting to have their squad at full tilt for the championship and are drawn in a difficult group with Blackrock, Fr O’Neill’s and Newcestown.

Look every game in the championship is difficult and I think that is what makes it so interesting and as we all know sport has a way to put manners on you if complacency ever kicks in.” 

Preparations have been hampered for all clubs with many pitches closed but Cremin is happy with the fitness of the team.

“We haven’t done much on the pitch but the lads know what they need to do as we realise there is some more work to be done before the opening championship game.

“Ger is a very astute manager and he will be focusing in having the team primed for the championship and all we can do is keep working hard and hope we continue to progress.”