Corn Uí Mhuirí: Paddy Lordan happy with Hamilton HS Bandon's squad depth despite high turnover of players

Hamilton High School Bandon were the story of the Corn Uí Mhuirí last season from a Cork perspective. 

The West Cork school reached the last four, the best of the Cork sides in the famous competition. Trying to build on it is the challenge. 

Only a handful remain from last season, but it shows the quality of players that Hammies have if the first game of this season's Corn Uí Mhuirí is anything to go by.

They defeated Patrician Academy Mallow on a scoreline of 2-16 to 0-9.

Next up in Group 2 is Presentation Secondary School Milltown today on Banteer's 4G surface (1.30pm).

Reflecting on the handsome win first day out, Hamilton High School Bandon manager Paddy Lordan was naturally pleased.

“We were delighted with that,” he said of the 13-point victory.

“I suppose coming into the game, preparation wasn't ideal. Some of the lads were still involved with their clubs and different things, a couple of injuries and stuff. The last day was our first day with a full squad really.

“I was delighted with the performance. I suppose we do have a very good team and we know what’s there, but it was just trying to get them all together and trying to get them out for a game.

“We knew it was going to be a huge task. Mallow are always strong in fairness to them. The first game in the Corn Uí Mhuirí is always very important just to take the pressure off.” 

Castlehaven sharpshooter Eoin Maguire will be a key player for Hamilton High School Bandon today. He kicked 0-10 against Patrician Academy Mallow.

“Look, it was a very good team performance the last day,” Lordan says.

“Eoin Maguire was on fire. I suppose a lot of people in the county know what he’s capable of.

“It’s just to get fellas firing on all cylinders is really what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to build a strong panel.

“There has been a big turnover from last season, but there are good lads that have joined the panel. We’re really happy with the panel. 

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves either. Going back to last season’s campaign, we had a great start as well. We then had a draw in the second game and it came down to the last group game. If we lost we were out, but we won.

“Every game is important and we know it’s crucial that we try and win against Milltown. They will be strong. They’ve had a couple of strong U17 teams over the last couple of years.

“With the Kerry schools in general, they’re usually all football. We’re trying to juggle hurling and football. 

“It's just trying to manage everything. We’ll go into this game with confidence, but there’s no point in saying otherwise, it will be a huge test.” Lordan concluded.