O'Donovan Rossa hope to learn from relegation scare: 'We have some good minors coming through'

There were contrasting emotions on the Páirc Uí Rinn pitch following O’Donovan Rossa’s 1-18 to 0-17 win over Fermoy in the McCarthy Insurance SAFC relegation play-off.

The West Cork players jumped with delight and embraced one another as they had saved their Senior A status by the skin of their teeth as Fermoy players dropped to their knees in anguish.

Naturally, O’Donovan Rossa manager Gene Hourihane looked mighty relieved as he reflected on a job well done.

“We came into this game knowing it would be a real test of our character as Fermoy have won big games in the past and we were under no illusions it was not going to be easy for us,” said Hourihane.

Getting a good start was crucial according to the Skibbereen chief.

“We got a good start, something that we have been struggling to do all season and thankfully something was with us today that was missing in our previous games,” added Hourihane.

The midfield display given by Luca Harte was praised by his manager.

Luca is an inspiring 19-year-old who has struggled with injuries but he put in a serious shift and I am delighted in the manner he drove our team forward.” 

How did the proud Carbery club find themselves in a relegation play-off?

“We are up against falling numbers as we have half a team over in Australia all very capable footballers and we have a couple of lads who have to make decisions this year with work and college.

TIGHT

“To be honest, we have gone to the well with 22 players this season and injuries didn’t help as our midfielder Rory Byrne missed this game with injury and to win this game in our situation is credit to all concerned.” 

In a game of this magnitude, did Hourihane feel the pressure coming into it?

“I actually wasn’t nervous as I know we are bloody good footballers, and we had a strength in conditioning guy this season called Brendan Walsh, who I feel sorry for as both us and Carbery Rangers were in relegation battles despite having both sides in excellent shape.

“Brendan did his job well but we left ourselves down badly on the pitch as we started the season poorly against Ballingeary where we were four points up with eight minutes left and had to settle for a draw.” 

The future for O’Donovan Rossa is positive.

“We have four or five minor players that couldn’t play today that will make a difference next season. Hopefully we can learn from this campaign.” 

The somber mood in the Fermoy camp was summed up by selector Michael Dolan.

"We had four clear goal scoring chances that if we converted this would be a different conversation but overall O’Donovan Rossa deserved their win.

“Tomás Clancy ran himself into the ground and didn’t deserve to be on the losing team but look it is what it is.

“Although we have been playing in this championship since it began in 2020 we now we have to take a step back as our form over this season didn’t reach the height of previous years."