Mayfield's Nicky Kelly gutted his club were relegated from the intermediate hurling championship grade after a very tough year

There has many talented players to don the Mayfield jersey over the years, but in Nicky Kelly they unearthed a rare talent with incredible skills and a gentleman both on and off the pitch.

Nicky, now 33, has just experienced the dismay of seeing his club relegated from the intermediate hurling championship and he openly admits it was a tough one to take.

Mayfield were in a group with Midleton, Russell Rovers and Bandon as he reflected on their dismal season.

“We had Midleton in our opening game and they had a number of quality players as their senior team hadn’t used too many subs and they were basically too strong for us.

“The challenge of Russell Rovers in the next game saw us improve before another loss and after a really poor league campaign I was beginning to think there was light at the end of the tunnel,” said Kelly.

The final group game against Bandon was crucial, but after a putting in a good first half shift but I think our fitness wasn’t as good as it should have been and in the end we paid the price,” added Nicky.

The Mayfield management team consisted of John Caufield and Liam Crowley, but despite their best efforts they couldn’t avoid losing their play relegation game against Youghal.

“We went into the Youghal after putting in huge preparations to avoid the dreaded drop and although we had belief we would win in fairness to Youghal they had more youth on their side and were far sharper and fitter than us.” 

So, after winning the All-Ireland Junior title in 2017 where did it all go wrong for Mayfield?

“Since we won the All-Ireland we basically haven’t had the supply of players coming through to replace the likes of Kieran Brosnan and Dan Lucey.

“Sadly, we are surrounded by juggernauts of senior clubs and unfortunately, we have parents in our community that think their sons are going to make it at the top level and decide to change clubs which is a real problem.” 

Having pride in his club and community is always been the Kelly way.

“Look if you haven’t got pride in your club you are better off moving away and for some strange reason people have lost their identity which I think is very sad.

“We have lost three or four 16 year-old lads in the last few years, and for me, parents need to start thinking hard because making it to the top tier is a mighty task for any player.” 

Kelly is well known for his skills after playing in senior county finals with CIT, he now fears for all small clubs in this city and county.

“I think the small clubs in the city and county will dwindle in the coming years and we could see the end of a lot of them if the present trend continues.” 

Hurling has really suffered in Mayfield and Kelly is hoping the trend changes sooner than later.

“I have never remembered it as bad as when you have a league campaign losing one game by 10 goals you begin to wonder why has it come to this and I have stopped thinking too much as it upsets me.” 

The same core of players like Kelly, Shane O’Donovan and Dave O’Neill have been trying to keep it going over the last decade, but Nicky does see light at the end of the tunnel.

“We have a few players coming through for next season as the rebuilding will start in the Premier Junior hurling championship and at the moment we are on the hunt for a new coach and hopefully, the new man will revitalize the squad.” 

The bottom line is that Mayfield didn’t win a game this season in league or championship but Kelly is hoping they can pull it together again.

“If we can shape it in the manner you need to be at I do feel we can regain some momentum and hopefully from the league campaign we will be competing.” 

Nicky’s older brother Shane may not be involved but he will be doing everything to keep him involved.

“Shane didn’t see much game time this year, but I am trying to coax him to stay involved because he will give us something with his experience.

“In reality we have lost too many players over the years like the Duggan brothers Patrick and Shane with Richard O’Keeffe also stepping away and these are quality players to replace.” 

The love that Nicky Kelly has for the Mayfield club is incredible and along with his late mother Mary and father Jim they have never waned when it came to fighting for the cause.

Let’s hope that Mayfield can once again find the winning formula after the despair of relegation.