Na Piarsaigh legend Christy Connery on next step for club after mixed Senior A campaign

Christy Connery has witnessed the highs and lows of hurling over his illustrious career with Na Piarsaigh. 

After serving his third year as selector with his beloved club, he had time to reflect on the journey.

Na Piarsaigh were relegated from the Premier Senior Hurling Championship in 2022 and had a tough season in the Senior A grade, eliminated by Blarney in the quarter-final.

Looking back on the season, Connery felt it was a mixed bag where a narrow loss in the opener to Killeagh came back to haunt them.

“We lost to Killeagh but it was probably our best performance of the year as both sides played well in an excellent game of hurling and we couldn’t have asked for any more from our lads on the night.

“We had enough chances to win it but Killeagh were very efficient in their shooting and as a management team we took a lot of positives from the game."

The second game against Carraigtwohill was a completely different story for the Farranree club as they went down to another defeat.

“Carrigtwohill are a very good side with some very talented players but it was a game we never rose to the same heights that we did against Killeagh as we were simply very flat on the day.” 

The final game against Fermoy was crucial and Na Piarsaigh found a way to win with their scoring average guiding them to the knockout stages.

“It was a game that the lads knew that we had an outside chance of getting out of the group and they played solid enough that ensured we qualified and it was game on for a quarter final against Blarney. 

“Look Blarney are a good side but we missed a penalty before half time. We fell short as the better team won on the day.”

It's now down to the last four, Carrigtwohill v Bride Rovers and Blarney-Castlelyons. Carrig were very impressive when they took on Na Piarsaigh.

“I would have to say Carrigtwohill as their forwards are good forwards as you cannot give them an inch of space but the only thing that would worry me is their back line doesn’t look as strong.

“On the flip side, they move the ball well and get into scoring positions and overall, they have a good pattern of play that suits their style." 

BLOW

The injury curse was on Na Piarsaigh again this season with Connery witnessing his son Daire doing his cruciate at Páirc Uí Rinn.

“Look, call it a coincidence or not, but there have been a few players hurt on this pitch this season. It was like playing on a car park."

Losing players to emigration over the last couple of seasons certainly hurt Na Piarsaigh.

“We lost the Gunning brothers, Eddie and Dan, who were a huge loss to us. Evan Sheehan came back late in the season but he found it hard to get up to speed on the fitness end.

On top of that we lost three other squad players with injuries in the group games but on the positive side we introduced a number of players that did well enough.” 

The management team, which includes Seán Óg Ó hAilpin, James O'Connor and Mark Mullins, have been at the helm for three years. Will they go on for a fourth?

“When you do three years, it’s a good term but the lads haven’t spoken about it yet and of course the club committee's views will be important going forward.

“There is no use staying on and getting the same results but look we will see are there any ideas to take it forward.” 

OUTSTANDING

The outstanding work that the executive committee do at Na Piarsaigh came in for special mention.

“Colin O’Sullivan is rock solid and a genuine chairman and there are many more other great volunteers but to get back where we want to be will take hard work as we have no divine right to be playing in the Premier Senior grade.” 

As for the semi-finals?

I have a fancy for Carrigtwohill in the Senior A championship as they play some beautiful hurling. 

"The Premier Senior is a very hard one to call but I think if the Barrs play to form they have the weapons.”