Premier IFC: New rules allowing Naomh Abán to flourish

Naomh Abán took the direct route to the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier IFC semi-finals.

Group-stage wins over Rockchapel, Glanmire and Bandon ensured that the Baile Bhúirne bypassed the quarter-finals, from which Aghabullogue emerged to set up Saturday's clash in Macroom (4pm).

The last of those wins, a 1-18 to 1-7 triumph against the Lilywhites in Kilmichael, featured four two-point scores as they looked to boost their scoring difference. It underlined the attacking prowess within the side, so little wonder Naomh Abán midfielder Seán Ó Ríordáin gives his approval to the changed parameters in the sport.

“I love the new rules,” he says.

“I think we are a footballing side. We always grew up maybe smaller than other teams and things, but we always had plenty of footballers.

“That's what you live, breathe and eat in Baile Bhúirne – football, football, football. We were all growing up, playing school, playing club, playing with friends, always.

“I think that's followed through now to the new rules, allowing more football to be played, which I think suits us.”

Ó Ríordáin speaks for many when he acknowledges how the enjoyment had slowly seeped out of the sport.

“A hundred percent,” he says.

“We had to do it the same way other people were doing, but it was loads of blanket defending and crowding and clogging numbers, just trying to not let another team score, and low-scoring games and things.

“I far prefer – and I think it suits us – a far more free-flowing, kicking game, quick, and able to play football, really.”

Earning a direct place in the last four was an aim that had to be achieved in parts, as Ó Ríordáin – who, fittingly, teaches in Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin in Ballincollig – outlines.

“We did take it step-by-step,” he says, “but obviously that was in the back of our mind.

“That was the long-term goal, but we didn't get ahead of ourselves either. We played each game as it came.

“We had Rockchapel, we said ‘Just win that game.’ We had Glanmire, we had to win that; Bandon, we had to win that.

“On the last day, everyone still has something to play for – you're either going to make a quarter-final, a semi or be trying to avoid a relegation play-off.

“You have three big battles there. At the back of our mind, I suppose, we knew what we were capable of and it was our goal to obviously get to that semi-final. Now we have to take it another step and another step.”

Guiding them on those steps are Jimmy Allen, in his first year as manager, and coach Cárthach Keane, with the Newcestown native having already logged two seasons as coach.

“Jimmy won a county with Naomh Abán in 1999, the last time we won,” Ó Ríordáin.

“Cárthach, we’ve had him three years and it’s been a kind of a process.

“In fairness to him, the first year we didn't get out of the group, then last year we made a semi-final, this year we've made an automatic semi and hope to go further.

“He has made a massive improvement for us, in fairness.

“Cárthach and Jimmy have us well-drilled, they have tactics and structure and everything from there.

“But at the same time, you have to bring that standard of football as well and make sure you take your chances and make sure you do the right things at the right times.

“We know it's going to be a big battle, and they're going to have loads of quality too. It's whoever can perform, show up, and execute on the day, really.

“You just have to back yourselves and your team-mates to be able to do that on the day.”