Former Cork star Daniel Kearney enjoying his hurling with Sarsfields and watching the Cork hurlers 

FORMER Cork hurling star Daniel Kearney has had an impressive career with Sarsfield’s and the 34-year-old, winner of four Cork Senior county championship medals with his club, is hoping to add another one in this campaign.

On Sunday last Kearney showed his class once again as Sars trounced Fr O’Neill’s 3-21 to 1-12 in the Red FM Division 1 hurling league that took them a step closer to the final.

“I have only comeback late in our league campaign but in fairness the lads have done very well as our manager and the coaching staff have given many of the young lads some game time and that can only be good going forward,” he said.

It was evident the fitness level of Sars was at a different level to Fr O’Neill’s and Kearney believes that’s down the work of the management team.

“Credit to Johnny (Crowley) and Sully (Diarmuid O’Sullivan) they have the team in superb shape, but I think we have a lot of good young players who have trained hard since February and they are now getting their just reward,” he added.

Two players that stood out in this latest win were praised by the stalwart.

“Cian Darcy and Daniel Hogan are doing very well, and you can see how our training sessions have brought these players on.” 

When the championship comes around the battle for the starting 15 will be interesting according to Kearney.

“The competition for places will be unreal as we have strength in depth and that’s good for all concerned as hurling is no longer a 15-man game.” Life has changed for Daniel since his former glory days with the club as he is now married with a child but still has the buzz to compete at the top level.

“I suppose when the baby came along it got a little harder, but I am loving life and hopefully I can help the team again this season and you don’t know when time is called on this journey.

“There is no doubt I cannot give hurling the time I gave it in days gone by, but I am still very much enjoying it as we have a great bunch of lads involved with this team.” 

Winning the championship last season gave the club a huge boost according to Kearney.

“Winning the championship last season gave everybody a pep in their step and now it’s about building on that and at the moment we are playing well enough despite being missing a couple of players, but we are looking forward to completing the league campaign on a winning note.” 

Kearney believes getting the timing right for the championship is crucial.

“It’s a long season and although you want to do well in the league you do not want to peak too soon but hopefully our experience in that department will stand to us.” 

Kearney was a former Cork Senior hurler and is delighted the team are presently making great strides.

“We look to be coming good at the right time and personally I wouldn’t look into the Offaly game too much as it was all about getting a result.

“I am sure Dublin will be a tougher test, but I think the lads will relish taking them on and hopefully we will then see a classic semi final against Limerick.”