Carrigaline boss Michael Meaney hopeful Brian O'Driscoll will return for Kanturk clash

Carrigaline manager Michael Meaney is confident Brian O’Driscoll will be ready for his side’s next game in two weeks’ time.

The Cork senior footballer didn’t feature for the team in blue and yellow last Saturday night due to a calf injury, as Carrigaline defeated Bishopstown on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-11 in the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Carrigaline will now take on Kanturk in the last four on Saturday week (12th) in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 5.45pm.

O’Driscoll only played for the first time for Carrigaline in July since his move from Tadhg MacCarthaigh. The deal got over the line in January with the forward now living in Carrigaline, but obviously with him involved with the Rebels, putting on his new jersey wasn’t going to happen until Cork's inter-county season came to an end. 

He made a huge impression in the championship group stages for the Carrigdhoun side and his experience and guile would have been beneficial in the second half last weekend as Carrigaline lost control.

The South East club, who won the Division 1 football league this year, led by eight points early in the new half at the weekend, but by the end, they were relieved to win by two points.

“This game probably came around just a bit too early for Brian,” Meaney said after the win over Bishopstown.

“We trained the Tuesday after the Cill na Martra game two weeks ago and then on the Thursday, Brian pulled his calf. He worked very hard to get back for this game, but it wasn’t to be. That’s it really. People thought we were trying to pull wool over people’s eyes, but we weren’t. He was injured and that’s the bottom line. If he was fit, he would be starting and that’s it. We are hopeful that he will be back for the next day.” 

Carrigaline were also missing another key forward in Kevin O’Reilly due to injury. The sharpshooter has been a big player for his side this year in league and championship. He hasn’t played since the second championship group game, which was the four-point win over Kiskeam.

“Kevin is still out and will be for another bit. Callum Barrett was also missing tonight and he’s still another week away from returning. He pulled a thigh muscle at training. Other than that, hopefully the dual players will come through the hurling semi-final next weekend. We will take it from there.” 

Five of the Carrigaline starters last Saturday night will be back in action this Saturday as the Carrigdhoun club face Ballincollig in a mouthwatering PIHC semi-final clash in Ballygarvan at 4pm.

“It’s a credit to the five dual players, Cian Barry, Kevin Kavanagh, Eanna Desmond, Darragh King and David Griffin. The lads had a very intense game last weekend against Ballinhassig. That’s the cards we have been dealt with. You just have to get on with it. Recovery is the big thing after every game now.”