Newcestown get opening victory but Jim O'Sullivan not getting carried away

While Newcestown are up and running with two points, manager Jim O’Sullivan was keen not to get carried away after Saturday evening’s win over Valley Rovers.

The final margin of victory in Kilmurry was six points, with Newcestown having led by seven at half-time – but, in between, the Innishannon side cut the gap to a point.

Newcestown settled again to win by 1-19 to 0-16, leaving them well-placed ahead of a clash with Mallow next month – but O’Sullivan knows nothing can be taken for granted.

“It's a tough one to call, because a lot of people say you have to win the first game,” he said, “but we won the first game last year and we were still going into the game three, we didn't know whether we were going to be in a relegation play-off or not.

“So, it does take a small bit of pressure off, but you have to go game by game and every game in every group is so tough, but I'm thrilled to bits with it.”

Despite losing the toss, Newcestown were able play with the wind in the first half and a goal from O’Sullivan’s son Séamus helped them to a 1-9 to 0-5 half-time lead – a blessing in disguise to be given the breeze?

“I wasn't saying that about ten minutes ago!” O’Sullivan laughed.

“In fairness to Vally Rovers, they kicked a couple of outrageous two-pointers, so it brought it down to a point with 10 minutes to go, but, in fairness, David Buckley kicked a two-pointer against the wind.

“He really stood up and he carried us for a bit there, but in fairness, we stood up in the last ten minutes and I'm delighted.”

Buckley finished with 0-12 to his name, with Micheál McSweeney led a stout defence.

“Yeah, it was a good defensive performance,” O’Sullivan said, “but we were afraid of a high ball coming in there in the second half because they had a couple of big men inside, and with the wind, the ball was being launched in.

“We coped well enough and they were so happy enough with it.

“I suppose when the Valleys were pushing on there with a couple of minutes to go, we got the good fellas and the experienced fellas on the ball and they controlled it.

“It was down to a point with ten minutes to go, we kicked on and kicked on five points towards the end.”

Newcestown’s Premier SHC escapades will now take up the focus, with the club praying that nobody joins Cian Twomey (cruciate ligament) and James Kelleher (hamstring) on the treatment table.

“Tadgh Twomey, at 42 years of age, he came in with a calf injury, but he ran himself to the ground, that's what you're asking for,” O’Sullivan said.

“We've a nice panel and it's not nice telling fellas they're not playing. Every fella wants to play, but the subs that came on, they made an impact as well.

“The problem is that we’re not playing again for four weeks, we won't see them for three weeks, so it’s tough.

“They went to Garrettstown Sunday morning for a recovery session in the sea and then it’s straight into hurling training.

“But, look, I suppose every club, this is what they want. Whether you’re a dual club or not,

this is what it's all about, this time of year.”