Tipp man Eddie Enright on coaching and winning with Watergrasshill

It was his place of employment that lured former Tipperary All-Ireland and All-Star winner Eddie Enright to Cork. 

Now settled firmly in Watergrasshill, he is doing a remarkable job in guiding the fortunes of the East Cork club.

Enright donned the colours of Thurles Sarsfields and UCC where he won three Fitzgibbon titles with Senior All Ireland, Munster, National league and one All Star to complete a very impressive resume.

“I actually moved to Watergrasshill in 2002 but it wasn’t until late in my career did I actually play with them so now after 22 years I am now happy coaching,” said Eddie.” 

Presently, Eddie is at the helm of Watergrasshill Senior A side and he took time to reflect on this year’s championship.

“Our first game against Courcey Rovers was a typical first round game with neither side knowing where they were at we thankfully finished the game stronger and got over the line by a couple of points a nice start to our Senior debut,” said Enright.

The second game against Blarney proved to be a complete shock in the system for all concerned at the club.

“Blarney were excellent and were probably upset with their opening round defeat to Bride Rovers but I thought our first half performance was okay despite going in seven points down which didn’t merit our performance,” added Enright.

The second half was completely a different game according to Enright.

“In fairness Blarney set up well as they put pressure on our short puck outs and we lost our way for 15 minutes and in my experience it was the only game that we really lost our way in since I have been involved.” 

GREAT RESPONSE

There was a complete rethink going into their final game against Bride Rovers.

“We got a great response against Bride Rovers but our team are a proud bunch with a great attitude and despite failing against a Blarney that scoreline eventually put us out of the championship.

“There is great work being done at Watergrasshill and I had every confidence that our team would respond against Bride Rovers and with the exception of the Blarney defeat we had won 10 consecutive championship games.” 

In the words of Enright Watergrasshill got back to basics against Bride Rovers.

“The strength of our tackles and our movement was excellent plus the fact we were scoring at pace so believe me this team will mix it with the best in this grade.” 

The Senior A championship is a competitive one and Enright is confident his side will be ready for next year’s campaign.

The structures in Cork are excellent in all championships as you have 12 teams in Senior A and each of them feel they have a chance of winning it.

“It is going to be a cracking championship as you have Erin’s Own coming into the equation so in my book it will be harder next season, but we will be ready to battle harder.

“Just look at Bride Rovers in how many years it took them to get back up to the Premier Senior and I think that proves you have got produce your best hurling to eventually get promoted.” 

SOLID FOUNDATION

The work that is presently going on at the Watergrasshill club gives Enright confidence going forward.

“There are some great structures in place at the club and with our conveyor belt consistently bringing players through I do feel this is a club on a mission.” 

So after representing Tipperary at the top tier of inter-county hurling what does Enright think of the standard of club hurling in his adopted city?

“The standard of hurling is excellent, and you can see the respective winners of the Cork championships doing well in Munster and despite Sars losing this year to Ballygunner they did get to an All-Ireland final in the last campaign.

The strength of Cork hurling has never been better in all grades and I think it will be rewarded in the coming years.” 

Enright’s county Tipperary shocked Cork in July’s All-Ireland final and it was interesting in his thoughts on the final.

“I think Cork have the ability to bounce back with new management but look it's very simple when you look at Munster over the last three years, there are no certainties at the top tier.

“Cork are probably the most consistent team but getting over the line has been a problem for them and next year you have Clare, Limerick and Tipp coming back as strong as ever and don’t forget Kilkenny... they never go too far away.”