'We learned our lessons' — Darragh Fitzgibbon hails Charleville's maturity after toppling champions Sarsfields

Charleville star Darragh Fitzgibbon says Saturday evening’s two-point win over county champions Sarsfields was built on lessons learned, hurt stored, and a refusal to repeat the mistakes of last year’s meeting between the sides.

The Avondhu club won on a scoreline of 0-21 to 0-19 in the Co-Op SuperStores Premier SHC Group 2 Round 1 tie at Castletownroche.

Last year, Charleville lost to Sars by four points at the quarter-final stage. This time, Fitzgibbon and his teammates arrived determined not to let the same pattern unfold — and the Cork captain told The Echo afterwards that the group had been waiting a long time to put that right.

The 29-year-old landed 0-11 in a significant victory for his side.

“We learned probably a lot of lessons from last year,” he said post-match.

“We played really well against them, but they went on to be county champions. 

“The plan was just to do the same thing again and hopefully push on for the final 10 minutes. We were there with 10 minutes to go and we managed to get a few scores in the end.” 

Last year’s defeat to Sarsfields lingered over the winter, Fitzgibbon admitted. Charleville felt they had pushed the eventual champions to the pin of their collar but lacked the finishing power. 

“Of course there was hurt,” he says. 

“But at the end of the day it was a good season for us.

“We couldn’t wait to get going again and try to build on it. Every game is tough — the top 12 teams in the county, anyone can beat anyone on any day. We’re just relieved we got the first win today so we can try and push on now.” 

Charleville finished with authority, winning the breaking ball, dictating the tempo, and closing out a deserved victory. They wanted it more.

“A lot of games come down to breaking ball and we won the breaking ball today,” Fitzgibbon said.

“We weren’t hanging on. It was fully deserved. It’s just the first victory though. You always want to get two points on the board because that means a lot for a club like ours, we’re not looking at relegation.

“Our first goal always is to try and get two points so you’re not getting dragged into a relegation battle. Then the next goal is to try and get out of the group over the next two games. But we’ve serious challenges ahead.” 

Those challenges will come against Douglas and Newtownshandrum, but Fitzgibbon was quick to acknowledge the influence of Charleville’s management team in ensuring the group is ready for them.

Dominic Foley and James Kennedy — manager and coach — have, in Fitzgibbon’s words, transformed the team’s organisation and tactical clarity.

“They’re passionate Charleville people. Dom has been at the top of his game in his own field. We all looked up to him when we were younger. 

"And James is our own age — he gave up the hurling to go coaching and he’s brought phenomenal organisation and tactically taken us to another level.

“We’re delighted to have them. They’re very passionate and we want to keep them for as long as we can. It takes a lot of time and effort and we appreciate everything they’ve put in.” 

Charleville’s scoring spread was another positive. Fitzgibbon himself finished with 0-11. 

“We’re creating a lot of scoring opportunities every game,” he states. 

“Our shooting was down a little bit — we definitely had a lot of wides — but that’s something to work on in training. A good buzz going into training now over the next three weeks.

“It’s a nice break. A lot of us have had a long year. It’s just minding the bodies now. We’re not going to lose much fitness over the next few weeks — maybe go for a few days away and stuff like that.”