FL Division 1: St Finbarr's depth shining through in tough tests

Though inter-county commitments mean they are never at full-strength in Division 1 of the McCarthy Insurance Group FL Division 1, St Finbarr’s aren’t managing too badly.

While they missed the chance of a third victory in four games, the Barrs remained unbeaten at the top of the table with a 1-9 apiece draw away to Newcestown on Saturday.

The Togher side led by eight points at one stage in a wind-assisted first half but could have been beaten as the home side came back strongly in the second period and Barrs selector Ian Keeler was satisfied with the point.

“You could see that the conditions were very testing, there was a really strong wind,” he said.

“We went in five points up at half-time and we probably thought it might not be enough.

“We gave away a goal just before half-time and then, to be fair, in the second half again it was very hard conditions and in fairness to Newcestown they kept going and our lads kept going.

“It was a great effort from both teams and I think, a draw, you couldn't complain with that result today for both teams.”

All the more so given that they had just seven of the team that started last year’s Premier SFC final against Nemo Rangers.

“Yeah, look, obviously we've got a lot of guys tied up in different teams, Cork senior and U20 teams,” Keeler said, “and then with our dual players obviously we're resting guys week to week.

“It means that a lot of the younger guys are getting great exposure, that's what it's all about.

“I mean, the idea that, just because we won the county last year, you have to freshen up and you've got to bring the fellas in, that's what the league is all about.

“In the four games we've played now so far, the fellas have got great tests and we're happy with that.”

And, given that the Barrs are county champions and a scalp for every opponent to aim for, it’s an ideal environment to assess newcomers.

“Absolutely, because when you're bringing young fellas in, you want them to get tested,” Keeler said.

“Later on in the year, if they do play in the championship, you want them to have had as many tests as they can.

“Look, obviously Newcestown are a very good team, they were in the semi-final last year and very unlucky not to get to the final themselves.

“The standard in Division 1 is very high and the four games we've had so far have been big tests, so we're happy.”