Unbeaten Castlehaven showing their battling attitude after reeling in Nemo Rangers

Two contrasting camps following Castlehaven’s incredible 1-19 to 2-15 win over Nemo Rangers in the McCarthy Insurance Division 1 Football League at Trabeg on Sunday.

The Nemo manager Robbie Dwyer looked shell-shocked while Castlehaven manager Seanie Cahalane was full of praise for his battling troops.

“To be honest, we probably shouldn’t have won but it was almost identical against Newcestown last week, where we got two late goals to force a draw,” said Cahalane.

On the other side of the coin, Castlehaven are playing to the wire, a trait that’s needed at this level of football as they remain unbeaten.

“To be honest, I said to the lads after Newcestown that we would have lost that game by seven or eight points last season and again today it was an incredible turnaround, but the plus is that we are digging out results."

Having good spirit and a battling attitude goes a long way and Cahalane is hoping when he gets the full complement of players back that it remains for the remainder of their programme.

“When you are at this level focus is key and although Nemo will be annoyed to have lost, we are just delighted with the mental attitude that’s in our squad.” 

Cahalane and his management team are focused on championship, as it will be all hands on deck after the league and inter-county series.

“We have now won three league games and drawn four and so with an unbeaten record and a depleted team there are many positives for us.

“We are trying to develop lads for the championship as we have a number to come back and in any championship season you are hoping that injuries does not derail you.” 

CRUCIAL

First up for Castlehaven is a clash with Ballincollig that he feels will be a true test for his team.

“Ballincollig are a very good side and that’s a crucial game for us as losing your opening clash puts you under instant pressure.” 

The remaining two games in the Castlehaven group are Clonakilty and Knocknagree.

“There are no easy games, and we will have to be razor sharp in this group as all our opposing teams will fancy their chance of qualifying from the group.”

The new rules are certainly going down well with players and spectators alike and with Castlehaven nailing four two-pointers late on, Cahalane will not have too many complaints.

“Look, this is the second season with the new rules and teams are getting used to them but in this game, our performance was poor, but we will not complain about securing the points.” 

The inter-county scene is closely watched by Cahalane and he was thrilled with their latest win.

“In fairness, John Cleary and the lads have put some tremendous work in and they are getting rewarded with some great results that culminated their promotion to Division 1.

The Cork public are getting behind the team and the atmosphere at Páirc Uí Rinn was electric and hopefully this win will give them confidence going forward.” 

Kerry’s defeat to Donegal shocked many people but Cahalane believes there will be many more twists in the championship.

“You would have to say that Kerry and Donegal are probably the top two but look I think the sending off changed that game completely and they could end up meeting again.”