Na Piarsaigh showed their bottle to dig out result against Courcey Rovers

There was a natural air of relief in Na Piarsaigh camp following their 2-16 to 0-19 win over Courcey Rovers in the Co-Op Superstores SAHC at Brinny.

Playing in their second season of the second tier of Cork hurling, Na Piarsaigh have assembled an experienced and committed management team and for Christy Connery this was a very welcome win to start the campaign.

“That was very tight and very well fought by both teams and in all honesty it could have went either way and if both teams had come away with a draw I don’t think there would have been too much complaining."

Connery believes in recent years his side wouldn’t have won a game of this nature.

“Looking back over the last few years we didn’t win tight games and that really helped us tonight when the game hung in the balance. Those defeats over the years hurt us and as you could see we had the bottle for the battle when the game was there to be won."

Looking back on the stats of the game Connery had one concern.

“We had 20 wides that need addressing but look credit also to Courcey Rovers for their defending. 

We did create a lot of chances but whether it was nerves or the intensity our opponents showed we will look at it.

“While the result was very positive we have a lot of work to do going forward but the lads are all thrilled with this win as it should give us a foundation for the remaining games in the group." 

The league campaign was disappointing for Na Piarsaigh but Connery believes missing key players didn’t help their cause.

“I am not going to make excuses but we were down a number of players in the league and that made it a lot tougher as we rarely had the same 15 but look we are now in a serious championship. There is no room for error." 

The return of Daire Connery was a boost, as the former Cork panellist looked sharp and finished with an impressive six points.

“I think all the lads that returned to the fray did very well but I think it's important to point this team is not about individuals and we are conscious we won this game as a group." 

The display given by the Na Piarsaigh goalkeeper Luke Donovan was right from the top drawer and he denied Sean Twomey a certain goal at the death.

To be honest Luke has played all season with injury and his resilience is unbelievable as he plays through a serious pain barrier. 

"The reality is that he may not train for another three weeks but he is a serious character that helped us big time in this win." 

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Having a good squad is now vital in the modern game and Na Piarsaigh’s sub Patrick O’Rourke proved his experience was invaluable when introduced in the closing minutes.

“At the start of the season Pa wasn’t sure whether or not he would play on and to be fair when he agreed he has thrown his lot in with us again.

"We need players like him and his late point for us was a beauty and we will now get ready for our next game against Carrigtwohill that is sure to be another tough test."