Charleville keen to build squad depth during league

The RedFM Hurling League has been used well by Charleville in recent years.

In 2024, they finished top of the table, losing to Sarsfields in the final; while last year they were tied for third and used that as a platform from which to reach the quarter-finals of the Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC – losing narrowly to a Sars side that would go on to county glory.

On Sunday, they opened their 2026 campaign with a victory, getting on top of a game Carrigtwohill side in the second half at Dr Mannix Sportsfield to win by 1-21 to 3-12.

For Charleville manager Dominic Foley, it was pleasing to get up and running with a home win, given the importance of Division 1 hurling in terms of building squad depth.

“Very good, you always get a tough match off Carrigtwohill,” he says.

“They beat us last year as well and there was a draw a few years ago, so we knew we were up for a good fight.

“When the league comes around, the first thing you’re trying to do is preserve your status. I think it's very important to be playing league matches at this level, especially if you're trying to bring players through.

“So, the home matches this year we'll be targeting, as always, and hopefully pick up a few other wins along the way.”

Charleville were playing into the breeze in the first half but turned for the second period trailing by just a point, 2-5 to 0-10. However, that they had allowed their opponents two goals – with another gilt-edged chance gone to waste for the east Cork side – was a mild concern for Foley.

That said, it’s something that the former Republic of Ireland international does not expect to become a theme for the year.

“I said it to the boys after – I don’t think we conceded three goal chances in the whole of last year and then Carrigtwohill had three in the first half on Sunday!” he laughs.

“It’s just about being aware, as I say, and sensing the danger. When the ball is in and around, somebody just has to protect the goal. I think we all got attracted to the ball and left space behind.

“If we can get stupid things like that out of the way early in the year, we’ll be happy!”

While there are no 19-year-olds added to the panel from last year, Charleville do have a youthful cohort that are looking to further increase their influence within the team and squad,

“From last year, we have Seán Bresnan and Zach Biggane,” Foley says.

“Zach is with the Cork U20s at the moment and then the likes of Robert Carroll coming through, David Forde as well, so we have four or five younger fellas and all of this experience is very valuable.

“There were a few injuries on Sunday, but what that does is gives other fellas a chance.”

That is illustrated by the fact that the managements options are growing.

Obviously, Cork captain and Charleville talisman Darragh Fitzgibbon is now an option during the league but beyond him, they were without midfielder Jack Callaghan – who was selected on the Reardens All-Star team last year – and in total the team had six changes from the Sars championship match last autumn.

If they are to make themselves regular contenders in the knockout stages, having a big squad is essential and exposing players to top opposition – next up is a visit to Glen Rovers – serves them well.

“It’s such a long year and it’s difficult to keep fellas right,” Foley says.

“Come championship in August, you don't know what you're going to have to do – a fella could fall down the stairs or anything! – so you have to try and keep as many fellas right and as fit as you can.

“Brian O’Connell, who played for us on Sunday at half-back, has been in and out of the team over the last number of years and Davy Riordan came in and did well.

“There’s fellas on the fringes that we don’t forget about, either, and it’s great to see them putting up their hands looking to take their chances.”