Carrigtwohill determined to stay on track despite injury setback and first round defeat

The Carrigtwohill players and management team were buoyant following their comfortable 10-point win over Courcey Rovers in a crucial Co Op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship clash at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday night.

For team manager Denis Walsh, the performance reflected the focus and commitment from his squad.

“That was the type of performance we expected in our first-round game against Inniscarra but we failed to show up and were ultimately punished."

Carrigtwohill were dominant against Courceys, as they tallied 18 wides and had five goals denied by the brilliance of Stephen Nyhan.

“We played some exceptional hurling but look we had too many wides. We created the chances though and we do encourage our players to shoot when open."

Carrigtwohill were dealt a blow pre-championship when they lost talisman Sean Walsh, who last week underwent surgery for a cruciate injury. 

In the words of the manager, other players must step up to the plate.

“Of course, Sean is a huge loss but it wasn’t the reason we lost to Inniscarra in the first round as we basically had a very bad night. 

If performance in sport was an exact science nobody would ever lose." 

Learning from defeats is always crucial in any sport.

“We were all very honest with one another and we analysed the loss as best we could and from there we just drove on and trained exceptionally hard. 

"This group of players are wholehearted and genuine. It showed tonight against a very good Courcey Rovers side.” 

Carrigtwohill’s fitness was exceptional, particularly in the second half. Walsh believes that is a key part of his team’s structure.

“We would like to think this is one of our strengths as having pace all over the field in the modern game is a must and we wanted to use those legs against Courceys.” 

In the first-half centrefield ace Justin Oke picked up a knee injury and despite struggling with it, still managed to put in a serious 52-minute shift.

“Justin is an incredible leader for us as he got a heavy knock on the knee in the first half but even at half-time he refused to wilt. His determination and leadership is something that is very special to our team." 

Last season Carrigtwohill were defeated in the semi-final of this championship by the eventual winners Bride Rovers and Walsh is hoping is team can have another tilt at the title.

“It's very simple when you lose your first-round game every other one after that is knock out as if we lost this game, it was lights out and our championship was dead and buried.

“Last season we were defeated by a very good Bride Rovers team but this grade is tight and we have another championship-saving game to come against Ballinhassig.” 

There is little doubt promoted Ballinhassig will test the mettle of Carrigtwohill.

“It's very simple, as I said, there isn’t any back or trap doors and we will have to repeat this performance if not better it because Ballinhassig are a formidable unit.”