Carbery Rangers have regrouped and flourished under new rules so far

While Carbery Rangers sailed very close to the wind last year, it may yet prove to be a turning point in their trajectory.

The West Cork club had to beat Éire Óg in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC relegation play-off to stay afloat in the top-tier. They duly delivered in what was their first championship win in over two years. Since last October’s nail-biting win in Enniskeane, Carbery Rangers have continued from where they left off.

They are top of the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 2 Football League table having won their first four games. The latest win was a comfortable 1-16 to 1-8 home victory over Valley Rovers. The new rules have come at a good time for the Rosscarbery-based team. They are playing a nice brand of football with a +37 scoring difference after four rounds.

Manager Seamus Hayes, who is in his third season at the helm, is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

“The lads are enjoying the new rules,” he says.

“We have some incredible talent on the panel and the new rules are suiting us, but then again, they will suit other teams just as well, so I wouldn’t be getting too carried away. We have put up some big scores this year, but it’s still early days.

“We are getting good confidence from the wins. The panel are very eager to be successful. You can’t beat winning games and developing a winning mentality and it just brings a different vibe to the dressing room, different energy. It’s all good.

“We were disappointed to be relegated from Division 1 of the league last year, we won’t hide from that fact, but we regrouped. As a group, we set targets for this year, firstly to have a right cut off Division 2 and so far that has been going well. The panel is being tested big time at the moment with injuries, but everyone that is coming in is standing up to the test.” 

Carbery Rangers travel to Dunmanway on Friday for the fifth league fixture of the new campaign to meet Dohenys with throw-in at 7.45pm. An all-West Cork affair with Dohenys just two points behind Hayes’ charges.

“I am happy with how the season has gone so far. The lads are putting a huge effort in. I can’t question anything when it comes to their application and commitment. Four wins from four games, you can’t ask anymore than that really.

“Dohenys are next up, a very tough game against our neighbours down in their place. I am sure they will be looking to knock us off our perch, that’s always the way, but we will have to be ready for the challenge. I am sure we will be.” Hayes concluded. 

Carbery Rangers will be aiming to push on in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC this season when it comes around. They could use Mallow as an example. The North Cork team won their respective relegation play-off against Carrigaline in 2023 before reaching the last four in the following campaign.

In Carbery Rangers' group stage later this year, they will meet last year’s SAFC winners Carrigaline, St Finbarr’s and West Cork rivals Clonakilty.