Ciarán Sheehan eyes more success with Russell Rovers

Russell Rovers captain Ciarán Sheehan has stressed the importance of making the most of their opportunity this weekend.

The Cork Premier JHC winners face Kilrossanty of Waterford in the AIB Munster Club JHC final on Saturday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 1pm. Russell Rovers won this competition back in 2019.

“We have had a fair few challenges this year, but this one is a different kind of game,” the 34-year-old says.

“It’s very late into November, the surfaces are different and the year probably takes a toll on lads' bodies. From what we know, Kilrossanty are a strong side. They are a senior football club. Physically, they will be very strong and have a few handy players that we will have to keep an eye on. It’s going to be a great game. The lads are very much looking forward to it.

“At this time of year, it’s all about making sure that we are as best prepared as possible and making sure we are ready to go on the day. If you look back to 2019, the team went a long way, winning the Munster and getting to the All-Ireland final. When we won the county this year, we enjoyed it for a few days and it’s important to really recognise that. We brushed ourselves off because we want to do well in this competition.

“We were pleased with how the quarter-final win went for us. It’s important that you keep going for as long as possible. We understand the significance of it for the community. Guys are really enjoying their hurling under Dave Dorgan and Donal Óg Cusack.” 

Russell Rovers hadn’t been too far away over the last few years, but the new management team has brought the group onto the next level. Sheehan has nothing but praise for them.

“Last year was a big setback for us, losing to St Catherine’s in the last group game. We looked at this year as a fresh start. Dave Dorgan and Donal Óg came in and just added something different. We had a lot to prove to ourselves more than anything else to be honest after last year. It was a big thing for us because we wanted to bounce back and there was an element of pressure there.

“The freshness from the coaching group has brought a new element to it and has given everyone a spring in their step. It has put us in a good spot. Donal Óg has that experience and has been through it before. Aside from him being an exceptional coach, he is a very good guy and is able to understand the feel of the group and what’s required. As a coach, he has driven the standards along with Dave. It has been a big change to the group.” 

Sheehan knows the importance of seizing the moment and he knows Munster club finals don’t come around too often.

“I was unlucky to lose two first-round games in Munster club football with Éire Óg so the quarter-final win two weeks ago against Moyle Rovers was my first provincial win with a club whereas other lads on the team won Munster in 2019. It was great to get the victory against Moyle Rovers but we are in a Munster final now and it’s all about making the most of it. You have to understand that it’s 60-65 minutes of hurling and every moment counts. We want to back up the county success. 

“It’s just about getting those moments right and making sure we are prepared fully. We need to focus on getting the job done. We can only control what’s in our control and not worry about anything else.”