Premier 2 MFC: Carbery Rangers geared up for knockout West Cork derby against Ibane Gaels

Carbery Rangers' decision to play in the Rebel Óg Premier 2 MFC this season was driven by the players. 

In such a tough and competitive grade, the Rosscarbery-based team have relished the challenges. It’s the first time they are at this level since 2018.

They firstly finished fourth in their league despite missing a number of key players underlining the quality in their squad.

They go into their final championship group game in Section 2 this evening with the density in their own hands. A win or a draw against West Cork rivals Ibane Gaels in Barryroe (7.30pm) will book Carbery Rangers' spot in the knockout stages.

It would be a huge boost for the club ahead of a big weekend with their Premier Senior football team playing St Finbarr’s in a crucial championship game in Bandon on Sunday at 4pm.

Carbery Rangers minor football manager Johnny Murphy Jr has been satisfied with how the campaign has panned out to date.

“The season so far has gone pretty well, we have put a lot of work into it and the lads have responded,” he says.

“The league laid the platform. After a slow start we grew into it. We are very happy with the championship results, drawing with Clonakilty and then beating St Nick’s. It’s the first time in a good number of years that the club has entered a minor team at Premier 2 level.

“From that point of view, it was important to hit the ground running, get momentum and pick up results. That draw against Clonakilty was a very positive one. That was always going to be a good indicator.

“We knew how strong Clonakilty were with all their Cork players down the middle of their team. There was a real local derby championship feel to it.

“We were very apprehensive then going up to Blackpool as we knew St Nick’s were going to be strong. To grind out a nine-point victory was pleasing. Great credit must go to our lads.” 

Carbery Rangers have been without one of their star players for this championship season with forward Dylan O’Neill sidelined due to injury. He was one of the standout players for the Cork U20 footballers earlier this year.

“When you sit down at the start of the year and decide to play Premier 2, it’s a big call,” Murphy said.

“A huge input of that decision came from the players and Dylan O’Neill was one of the driving forces. They felt that they were good enough and wanted a cut off Premier 2. When you are a country club, you need everyone. It might be different with the bigger clubs.

“From our situation, if you are down one, two or three players due to injury, you could struggle. Dylan picked up an injury a couple of months ago and is a loss. Great credit must go to the other lads who have really stepped up.

“The players have taken on every challenge. They have embraced it. We don’t have a huge panel, but every player is putting their hand up.” 

It’s quite simple for both Ibane Gaels and their visitors Carbery Rangers later on today. The winners will extend their campaign while for the losers, the season will come to an end. A draw would suffice for Carbery Rangers.

“We know that facing Ibane Gaels will be an incredibly tough challenge. They have been playing in the premier grades for a long number of years and are well used to playing at that standard.

“We are finding our feet and trying to do the best we can. We are relishing going down to Barryroe. That’s what we signed up for. It’s a knockout championship game.

“We are really looking forward to it. The lads will give it their best shot and see what happens. It would be great if we could get a result, it would definitely give everyone a lift.”