Gavin Connolly content as Blackrock finish league on strong note

In terms of using the RedFM Hurling League as a valuable off-ramp for the Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC, Blackrock look to have timed their approach perfectly.

Sunday’s 3-25 to 0-21 victory at home to Douglas left the Rockies with a third-placed finish behind Midleton and Sarsfields. It followed a 13-point triumph away to Killeagh and a ‘home’ win over Charleville at Mourneabbey by ten points and goalkeeper Gavin Connolly feels that they are well-set for the upcoming campaign.

“I think we're in a good position,” he said.

“I think winning is always good, but it's all about the performances and hitting your targets.

“We do set a lot of targets for tackling and stuff, for forwards, to make it as hard as possible, though everyone's doing that now.

“We're delighted with how the league went – I think we finished third in the end. I'm happy out and we’ve another few weeks now to build on.”

There were 13 scorers in total against Douglas – while Connolly had registered three long-range efforts against Charleville, he didn’t register here but was pleased to have had a shut-out.

“Douglas were missing a few,” he said, “but it’s still nice to get a clean sheet, especially after conceding a few in the last couple of games.”

The Rockies will lock horns with city rivals Glen Rovers, Kanturk and Fr O’Neill’s when the action starts in just over a month.

With Connolly’s brother Alan to come back into the reckoning after the inter-county season ends, the competition for places is likely to become even tougher, giving manager Jamie Harrington and his selectors the proverbial nice selection headache when it comes to picking a team.

“It’s hopping down there,” he said.

“The competition for places on Tuesday and Thursday nights – there's a bit of bite in training and it's great to see.

“There's nothing better than coming down on a Tuesday and Thursday, sun shining and flaking into each other for an hour and a half.

“Then the best 15 get named at the weekend and play, so it’s brilliant.

“We’re lucky with the intermediate team as well, they play to a good standard, they’re in Division 4 of the league.

“It’s always good that the fellas who don’t get to play in Division 1 still have a chance to impress the senior coaches, playing against the likes of Kilworth, Aghabullogue, Watergrasshill, Mallow, Bishopstown.

“It can be tough sometimes if lads have to play both, being out Saturday and Sunday, but they’re young fellas so they’re well able!”

Also back in contention is Tadgh Deasy, who was in superb form last year when sustained a cruciate ligament injury in Blackrock’s group-stage win over St Finbarr’s.

He was back on the field on Sunday, scoring two points, with one of them almost a brilliant individual goal.

“I’m absolutely delighted for Tadgh,” Connolly said.

“He’s worked incredibly hard in the gym and with Sinéad Murphy and her team at Performance Physiotherapy for the last few months. Hopefully he can play a big part for us in the championship.”