Premier JFC: Hard work and togetherness paying off for St Nick's

This time last year, St Nick’s were just after surviving in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC.

They held their nerve to defeat St James’ in the relegation play-off.

Tomorrow afternoon, the city club face Cobh at the semi-final juncture in Carrigtwohill (4pm).

The turnaround might be a surprise for many, but not for those involved. New rules and a new management led by Robert Brosnan. It has proven so far to be a wonderful combination. 

Hard work is paying off according to St Nick's captain Danny Morris.

“I suppose last year as a club we almost hit rock-bottom, we could have been down Junior A.

“At the start of this year, we all had a look at ourselves and the set-up and we put our heads down.

“We said we’ll give this a good cut and here we are in the semi-final.

“The new management got together at the start of the year and they just wanted buy-in basically from all the players. Everyone has stuck to their word. We have worked our socks off.

“The first target was to get promoted from Division 6. Our second target was to get straight to the semi-final. We achieved both targets.

“I get why the outsiders might say it’s a surprise with how well we have done this year, but we knew once we all bought in that the players were there. All we just needed to do was buy-in to the plan and the organisation.” 

St Nick’s were a top-tier championship club in 2019. They have fallen down the ranks since, but Morris feels this year could well be the turning point.

“As I said earlier, we nearly hit rock-bottom last year. We have improved in every aspect this year and regardless of what happens on Saturday, we are in a good place now.” 

St Nick’s take on a Cobh team who beat Inniscarra by a point in the quarter-finals two weeks ago.

St Nick’s went straight to the last four after the group stage. It should be a very entertaining tussle.

“We played Cobh in the league a few months ago, they gave us a great game. We won in the end by three points.

“No matter who you play at this stage, it’s always going to be tough. There’s no place to hide.

“It’s our first semi-final in a good while, we’re happy and looking forward to it.” Morris concluded.