Job done for Glen Rovers as getting a fully-fit squad together later in the summer remains priority

Satisfaction for the Tomás Mulcahy-led Glen Rovers management after their 2-15 to 0-18 win over Fr O’Neill’s in the RedFM Division 1 Hurling League at the Glen Field on Saturday.

After starting the campaign with a riveting win away to the champions Sarsfield’s results, the northsiders lost their way a bit. After defeating Douglas in their previous game, the Glen made it successive victories to ensure their top-flight status is secure with two matches to go.

Selector Kieran O’Callaghan was delighted with the result.

“There was little to choose between the teams, but we knew coming into the game that Fr O’Neill’s are a strong physical side that play a smashing brand of hurling and we needed to be up to the task."

After going 13 minutes without a score in the first half the Glen responded in the closing eight minutes to the interval.

“Look the lads really played well after going through a drought on the scoreboard but I think in that period our defence was solid and we finished the half with plenty of energy,” added O’Callaghan.

They've games against St Finbarr’s and Killeagh to come bu this win takes the pressure off going into the final weeks of the campaign. Like most teams in the league the Glen have found fielding strong squads a near impossibility.

Without making excuses outside of our Cork panelists many other players are injured and well done to the guys who have battled hard for us since the league began because it hasn’t been easy.

“Outside of games it has been tough actually getting a squad together for training sessions because we have junior players involved in hurling and football league games and hence the injuries kept piling up on us.” 

The championship group consists of Fr O’Neill’s, Blackrock and Kanturk and O’Callaghan believes that all eyes will be focused for the opening game.

“Everything is geared to championship but for us we are looking for more consistency before we undertake a very tough group and I have every confidence with a full complement of fit players we will be competitive.” 

BOOST

Patrick Horgan hit 1-4 in the game and set up Simon Kennefick's goal.

“Patrick is a big player for us, and we will have to ensure he gets good ball and if he does there is every chance he will do the business. Having him in our team is a huge plus as he gives us so much on and off the pitch.” 

The mood in the Fr O’Neill’s camp was naturally one of disappointment but manager Ray O’Neill found time to praise his players.

“Look, it was a good game that we fought to the bitter end in but sadly we just came up a little short but I couldn’t fault the effort of my players,” said O’Neill.

The season to date has been a tough one for Fr O’Neill’s but injuries and the unavailability of their Cork players for the majority of their matches has certainly hampered them.

“I am not going to be making excuses but when you are a small club numbers do not match the bigger ones so when you are down players it certainly takes its toll but look it’s a case of driving on and getting ready for the championship."