Robbie O'Flynn and Erin's Own are determined to embrace the challenge after relegation
Na Piarsaigh’s Cian Buckley and Erin's Own’s Maurice O’Carroll battle for possession at Páirc Uí Rinn. Picture: Noel Sweeney
Relief for Cork senior hurler Robbie O’Flynn and Erin's Own after his five points from play helped them to a 1-19 to 0-15 win over Na Piarsaigh at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.
O’Flynn is an integral part of the squad as he reflected on a job well done by his teammates, having been relegated last winter in a replay against Newtown, they needed a strong start to their Senior A campaign.
A victory in the opening game in the group stage is always vital and O’Flynn is now hoping his side can raise the bar.
“The young lads that have come into the team had to produce a solid performance and in fairness our team is young but winning at Pairc Ui Rinn in your first game is always a huge boost,” said Robbie.
This season with the number of rookies they have, Erin’s Own will be playing a different style of hurling.
“The lads are determined but they are buying into it and the whole landscape has changed from recent years. The buzz in the team is still good and hopefully we can build on this win,” added O’Flynn.
Coming into the game how did Erin’s Own plan to shut down this dogged Na Piarsaigh side?
“We knew that Na Piarsaigh are known for their battling qualities and it was a case of meeting them head on and overall, when we needed scores, we found the way to get them.”
Erin’s Own started well but then hit a brick wall with Na Piarsaigh hitting six points without reply but the Erin’s Own stalwart believes that was a test you get in championship hurling.
“We seemed to be going well and then went into a lull as Na Piarsaigh went three points up on us but we got a break from a goalkeeper error and from that point I felt we were in control.”
Going down last season hurt many people in the club and O'Flynn said the aim is to get back up as soon as possible.
“It was a huge disappointment as every player wants to be competing at the top level. We were really unlucky last season but we now have to find a way to get back up, but it will take a huge effort from all the squad.
"I will be driving the lads to get up this season as this is non-negotiable but one game at a time.
The recent years have been very disappointing for O'Flynn as he had been held back by hamstring problems, but he has hopefully put that behind him.
“I am fine and raring to go as no player wants to be dogged with injuries in the sport, they love playing but for me, it’s all positive and all I want to do now is get our club to win promotion back to the top tier.”
The mood in the Na Piarsaigh camp was naturally frustration with coach Christy Connery reflecting on his side’s loss.
“We didn’t do enough in the second half as we were right in the game in the first but look it’s all about preparing for our next game as the chapter is closed on this one,” said Christy.
Na Piarsaigh also have a relatively inexperienced team and Connery is hoping they will improve for the next outing against Fermoy, who also lost their first round game.
“We will dissect this game and get the lads ready for our next game as this championship tends to have lots of twist and turns and keeping our focus on the job in hand is crucial."
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