Division 4 FL: Joey Hanlon hails standards as Buttevant storm to title with big win over Glanmire

Buttevant manager Joey Hanlon says last Friday evening’s 3-24 to 1-7 win over Glanmire in Glenville was another marker of the standards his group now expect of themselves, as they won the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 4 Football League title.

The Avondhu men powered to a handsome victory in the league final by 23 points, with captain Mark Lenahan leading the way with 2-5, while Conor Hanlon also featured prominently, finishing with 1-7.

The Buttevant boss says the group had targeted a strong league run from the outset and felt their display in the decider reflected both their conditioning and their growing confidence.

“We were sharp, we were direct, and we kept the scoreboard moving,” he said.

“The two-pointers were a big part of it. We were creating good angles, and once we got runners free, we were able to punish them.

“Glanmire were down a few bodies, and that’s never ideal for any team in a final, but from our point of view we still had to go and deliver a performance. The lads did that.

“There was no easing off from our fellas. Even when the game was gone from Glanmire, our fellas kept doing the right things. That’s what you want to see. It’s easy to get sloppy when you’re well ahead, but they stayed tuned in.

“Glanmire will be a different proposition in their championship – they’ll have bodies back.” 

Buttevant’s promotion from Division 4, now accompanied by silverware, is made more impressive considering how long a campaign they endured last season. The black and amber won the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC and reached the Munster final.

There was little downtime.

“To be honest with you, we had no pre-season this year when you’ve come off a year like that,” Hanlon says.

“Winning the county and then going deep into Munster, that gives you a mentality you want to hold onto. We didn’t want to lose that edge. The lads came back in good shape, and they were hungry. You could see it from the first night we did go back.

“The players were eager to go again after a very short break. When you get into a winning habit, it’s hard to break it. You can’t dip at this level.” 

Attention now turns to the McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC, where Buttevant will begin their campaign at the end of July. They open against Glanworth in a local derby, before facing Kilmurry and Ilen Rovers after that.

“You have to be ready from the first day,” Hanlon states.

“Glanworth will be well set. I know they have had a poor league, but they have had poor league campaigns before and done well in championship. After that, Kilmurry are always competitive, and Ilen Rovers bring serious physicality. There’s nothing straightforward.

“Intermediate A is unforgiving. Every group has teams who can take a result off you if you’re not right. That’s why the league was important for us. It wasn’t just about silverware, it was about habits.” 

Hanlon said the group’s togetherness remains one of their biggest strengths.

“They’re a tight bunch. They look after each other, and they drive each other. That’s worth a lot when you’re trying to build something. We’ve had good days and tough days, but they’ve stayed united. That’s all you can ask for.

“We’ll enjoy this league win, of course we will, but then it’s straight back to work. Championship is where you’re judged. The lads know that. They’ve set standards for themselves over the last two seasons, and they want to push on again.

“Winning the league is always a good one to have. It shows we’re moving in the right direction. Buttevant supporters have been brilliant, and the lads love representing them. Now we have to bring that same energy into championship.”