Castlehaven and Nemo turn to basketball influence in bid for new edge

Castlehaven have strengthened their backroom team with the addition of former UCC Demons coach Danny O’Mahony in recent weeks.

The county champions as recently as 2023 and '24 are looking for any edge they can find in a season where the new rules and the physical demands around midfield are expected to shape the championship landscape once again. 

O’Mahony’s arrival brings a different sporting outlook into the Haven. A former Irish underage international and Super League player, he won a league and cup double with Demons in 2009 before moving into coaching. 

His coaching career has been substantial: three seasons with KUBS in Dublin followed by a return to Cork to take charge of Demons’ U20s. 

From there he stepped into the senior role, guiding the club back into the Super League and stabilising them as contenders. His tenure included the 2023/24 National Cup, the 2024/25 Super League title and a Coach of the Year award before stepping down earlier this spring after six years in charge.

Castlehaven see clear value in that background. The modern game increasingly rewards teams who can dominate the middle third, win primary possession cleanly and create structured spacing in attack. 

With the new rules placing even greater emphasis on kick-outs and aerial contests, the Haven believe O’Mahony’s expertise in movement patterns, footwork, timing and spatial awareness can help extract those extra few percentage points that separate the top sides.

There is also a proven model to follow. Dingle, who surged to senior All-Ireland club success last season, incorporated basketball coaching into their preparation. 

Castlehaven's championship group is one of the toughest: Clonakilty, Ballincollig and newly promoted Knocknagree all present different problems. 

O’Mahony’s appointment also reflects a wider trend. His long-time assistant with UCC Demons, Stuart Rodgers, is involved with Nemo Rangers this season, further evidence of how basketball thinking is being embraced across the county.

Nemo themselves face a demanding Premier SFC group later this year, drawn with Newcestown, St Michael’s and Valley Rovers. 

Rodgers’ presence there, alongside O’Mahony’s arrival in Castlehaven, underlines how clubs are now looking beyond traditional coaching to find those marginal gains.