Jim O'Sullivan: Newcestown must stay grounded despite breakthrough victory over Nemo

Newcestown manager Jim O’Sullivan cut a satisfied but steady figure in Cloughduv last Saturday evening after his side opened their McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC campaign with a landmark 2-16 to 1-13 victory over Nemo Rangers.

It was the club’s first-ever championship win over the city giants in football, built on organisation, intensity and a blistering first-half surge — helped in no small part by three two-pointers.

O’Sullivan didn’t hide his delight, but he wasn't getting carried away.

“Terrific. I’m thrilled. Tough game,” he said post-match.

“Look, it’s a three-game group, so we won’t get carried away. Happy to get the first one over. Good win.” 

Newcestown were slow out of the blocks, kicking a couple of early wides, but once they settled they produced some of their most confident football of recent seasons.

O’Sullivan felt his side handled the game well.

“Besides probably the first few minutes, we controlled the game. We settled into it nicely.

“I keep saying about the new rules — if a team can get a run on you, it’s very hard to stop it, especially two-pointers, especially with a couple of good kickers that Nemo have.

“After the first few minutes when we settled into it, I think Seamus [O’Sullivan] got a couple of scores — two-pointers and a couple of one-pointers. It really settled us down and we played some good football.” 

The manager was quick to highlight the collective effort.

“It was a great team performance,” he stated.

“David Buckley didn’t do as much scoring as he’s used to, but he did a fierce amount of donkey work. He’s never bad — he does a fierce amount of donkey work. 

"He’s a great man from the kick-out as well. When he has the ball, you’re very confident he’s not going to give it away.” 

The significance of beating Nemo Rangers — a club Newcestown had never previously defeated in football — wasn’t lost on him.

“Look, there’s no point in saying otherwise, it’s a big win because we haven’t beaten Nemo before. They’re a confident bunch. We’ve never beaten them in a championship, but I don’t think Nemo are going to panic. They’ll be back, same as the Barrs. They’re going to be back.” 

O’Sullivan referenced last year’s painful semi-final loss to Nemo Rangers as a reminder of how quickly momentum can turn.

“Last year we had a chance and we gave away a seven-point lead I think it was. You can’t let that beat you up.

“This is a new year and we have to concentrate on this year and just drive it on from here.

“You have to hand it to the Cork County Board — they’ve got a great format. Just because you win the first game doesn’t mean you’re going to go through. You have to keep your feet on the ground and back it up the next day again.” 

That next day is in three weeks. A local derby against Valley Rovers awaits, followed by St Michael’s in the last group game.

“We have to worry about Bride Rovers first in the hurling next week. It’s all about getting these boys ready.” 

Talk of Newcestown being legitimate contenders for the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC was brushed aside with a smile from O'Sullivan.

“There’s a long way to go. You can’t dismiss anyone. Every team has to be respected.

“Even though the Barrs were beaten on Friday and now Nemo, these teams are experienced. They’re not going to panic. They’re going to come back. It’s up to us to mind our own patch and go for it.”