IAFC final: Ilen Rovers boss Flor O'Driscoll heartened by players' response this year 

After being involved in the wrong end of the championship over the last number of years, Ilen Rovers are at the right end in this campaign.

The West Cork club were in the top-flight of the football championship in 2021, but have suffered three relegations since including two in the last couple of seasons.

On Sunday though, they take on Ballinora in the McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (1.30pm).

It will be Ilen Rovers’ first appearance in a county final since they lost to Nemo Rangers in the SFC decider in 2007.

Flor O’Driscoll was involved in the management set-up of the Baltimore-based outfit back then. He came back on board once more this year making the long commute from Ballincollig to help his beloved club.

“I have been part of the club a long time, they asked a group of us to form a new management this year,” O’Driscoll says.

“It wasn’t going to be a quick decision as it’s a big job. If you're going to take it on, you want to make sure that you put your best foot forward and put a good structure in place.

“You also have to balance family and work life and get people involved that I felt could really help the group. I was expecting the start of this season to be difficult, but it was actually very easy.

“It was the players' desire to put in a good year that really carried things off. We haven’t spoken about the past that much. It’s all about the here and now and what we can do moving forward.” 

Ilen Rovers finished mid-table in Division 5 before ending up in second in their championship group stage, crucially progressing to the knockout stages. They then knocked out Mitchelstown and Adrigole to reach this juncture.

“We have found ways to win games this year. Maybe in the past, we had a habit of falling short. Prior to the win over Boherbue first day out in the group stage, we hadn’t won a championship match since 2022. That victory gave us the belief and confidence to drive on.

“We have won close games this season both in the league and championship. Last day out against Adrigole, we were four points down late on before clawing it back and then winning it in extra time.

“We could have given up, but we didn’t and that was satisfying.” 

Standing in Ilen Rovers’ way of a first adult county football championship title since 2003 are Ballinora. Both teams have defied the odds this season.

“Getting to a county final takes a lot of work. When it does happen and you see the community behind us is fantastic. We know what we are coming up against.

“Ballinora have shown some great fighting spirit this season. It’s important for us to focus on the game, 60 minutes of football and whatever happens, happens.” O’Driscoll ended.