Dungourney determined to make mark at Premier Intermediate

There was an air of relief in the Dungourney camp following their 1-20 to 0-14 win over Ballymartle in the Co-Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling championship at Ballymaw.

Both sides went into the game needing a win to secure a place in the quarter-final and the opening half belonged to Ballymartle, but playing with the aid of a strong wind they amassed 15 wides when going 16 minutes without registering a score.

For the Dungourney manager Martin Hennessy it was a day to savour though with Mallow awaiting next.

“It was a massive battle and in a game of two halves we did better on the scoring front but in truth our first-half performance wasn’t good enough,” Hennessy said.

The Dungourney chief was adamant his side needed to be told a few home truths at the break.

“We were lucky to be in the game at half time and for us to be only a couple of points down at half time was a major plus as Ballymartle hadn’t made use of the strong wind.

“When we got back into the dressing room at the break we spoke in depth about our negatives and came out with a plan which was to nullify the various threats of Ballymartle and as you saw it worked."

This season fitness was a huge priority for the Dungourney management team and Hennessy believes it was rewarded in this game.

We really showed tremendous energy in the second half and we are just thrilled to be in the quarter-final as it's massive for our club." 

Ballinhassig and Kilworth were also in the group and every game was a true test.

“We started with a good win over a talented Ballinhassig side and the last game against Kilworth things didn’t go to plan as we had a man sent off but today was all about regrouping and making sure we got the job done." 

The pressure of last-chance saloon games is not good for the heart according to Hennessy.

“There is massive pressure on players, managers and supporters with the season-ending for the losers but thankfully we came out on the right side." 

TRADITION

Dungourney is a club steeped in tradition and in recent weeks the present panel have been reminded they have three Cork senior hurling titles under their belt (1902, 1907, 1909).

“It might be over a century, but we have great history and now it’s up to this generation to ensure we are competing at a decent level.

“As a manager, I am trying to drive it on to new heights and I honestly believe there is more in this team as we had a few injuries and will have lads back for the quarter-final. No stone will be left unturned as we have great belief in this group of players.”