'We're still a work in progress,' says Kevin Cahill as Kinsale eye Cullen assignment

Kinsale manager Kevin Cahill says the opening-round win over Millstreet three weeks ago was more than just a positive start to their McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC campaign. 

It was a badly needed reset after a tough Division 5 League, which ended in relegation, and a reminder of what his group can produce when they finally get bodies back on the pitch.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Round 2 clash with Cullen in Ballincollig at 4pm, Cahill reflected on the significance of that Millstreet result.

“The first round of the championship is always very important because it gives you an opportunity to set the tone,” he said.

“We were very concerned going into it, to be honest. Millstreet were on the up for the second half of the league, and we were very much on the down.

“Millstreet are a very tough opposition – traditionally and currently. They’ve very strong players, former and present Cork players, and they represented a great challenge. I think they’ll be seen again in this championship beyond the group phase.” 

That win didn’t just steady the ship, it restored belief and gave Cahill’s group something to build on after a spring where momentum was impossible to generate.

Cahill is honest about the reasons behind the relegation in the league. It wasn’t injuries. It wasn’t attitude. It was availability — and the modern realities facing young players.

“The biggest challenge for us is the age profile of the squad. With young players, things like the Leaving Cert have become hugely disruptive life events,” he states.

“The Leaving Cert has become the complete focus of their lives. Then we have college students, and two of our players are based in London.

“It’s mainly a challenge of profile. What we hoped was that we could get the team back together for championship time. That has been the case partially, not completely. A lot of those Leaving Cert players aren’t really back in full training yet.” 

He knew when he took the job at the end of last year that it wasn’t going to be straightforward. Kinsale have talent, tradition, and a strong coaching foundation — but blending generations is never simple.

“The big challenge was always going to be bringing together different age profiles and making them a cohesive unit. I wouldn’t say that’s complete. It’s a work in progress.

“We have a few experienced players still involved who were teenagers when we won the intermediate county in 2011. Now they’re men in their 30s, and the commitment they’ve shown has been outstanding.

“We’re building with a lot of young players coming into the panel. They need experience and guidance from great leaders, and those lads provide that. When it comes to championship and tight matches, experienced players offer you so much.” 

Attention now turns to Cullen at the weekend, a familiar and battle-hardened opponent.

“Cullen are hugely tough opposition. Very experienced, with great players like Luke Murphy and Colin Walsh. They know what they’re doing and know each other very well,” Cahill says.

“I wouldn’t be taking anything for granted. It’ll be very competitive and could swing either way.” 

Two points from Round 1 is a strong start, but Cahill is clear about the next step.

“Our first goal was to get two points in the first game and put ourselves in a position to move forward. The Premier Junior grade is very closely matched.

“It’s about bridging the gap. We’re one of those chasing teams.”