Cork legend Diarmuid O'Sullivan on how Sars can fire on two fronts after a pair of league titles

Sarsfields coach Diarmuid O’Sullivan was satisfied with his team's efforts after a comfortable nine-point win over Aghada in the Red FM Division 6 League final at sun-drenched Cobh on Sunday.

At the start of the season, Sars decided that the same management team would look after both intermediate and senior teams in this campaign and it paid off. They defeated Midleton in the Division 1 final four days before this success.

“It was a competitive workout and as a management team we are trying to build competitive squads for the championships,” said O’Sullivan.

Getting players with the right mentality is crucial for championship hurling.

“We need committed guys and ones we can trust for the competitive nature of the championships and believe me, this win gives John Crowley and myself huge pleasure as we know the hard work of the players is being rewarded."

Targets were set by the Sars coaching staff at the start of the season.

“We set our goals and now we have two league titles in the space of four days and that augurs well."

Reflecting back on this latest victory, O’Sullivan believes it was a mixed bag.

“We looked very dangerous going forward but some of our defending was questionable but look, we will dissect the game and hopefully erase the errors before the championship is upon us.” 

Opportunity knocks

Sars continue to look for ambition from players in all grades.

“I am just wondering will Johnny’s phone ring tomorrow morning from players telling him they deserve a crack at the first team? That’s what we are looking for in guys so being involved with both sides is a huge plus.” 

Since joining Sars, O’Sullivan has all the major prizes but, in typical fashion, he believes nothing happens without players.

“It’s not all about us as this sport is all about players and we are blessed to have a genuine and loyal group of guys who are prepared to die for the jersey and even this year we have brought a number of minor players from last season through to the squads.” 

The strong relationship that O’Sullivan has with manager Johnny Crowley is very evident.

“We have been friends for a number of years, and we work well together with the main aim for all is about making sure we are doing a professional job and players are enjoying our stewardship.” 

Man of the Match was veteran Cian McCarthy, who finished with a 3-5 tally.

“Cian joined the coaching team last season and wanted to play junior hurling, but we encouraged him to step up and to be honest it was clear today what he can bring to the table as he oozes class.” 

The opening senior championship will see Sars pitted against Charleville in Mourneabbey and O’Sullivan will be hoping his team will be ready for this huge clash.

“We play Charleville in the opening game which will be a tricky encounter and then we follow with games against Douglas and Newtownshandrum all games that we will need to be firing on all cylinders.

“In the Intermediate grade, we open up against Erin’s Own before facing Youghal and Ballygiblin so it’s very clear there are no easy games, and we will need to be in the right frame of mind come championship time."