Ronan Curran fully focused on Ballincollig challenge after Cork stint

Ronan Curran is urging the Ballincollig hurlers to push on again after a strong start to their Premier Intermediate campaign.

With victories against Bishopstown and Éire Óg under their belts, they are qualified for the PIHC knockout stages before their last group game with Aghabullogue, who are also through. The experienced coach, who was involved with Cork earlier this year, is enjoying his stint in the Village, though they were dealt a blow recently with the loss of Brian Keating to a serious ankle injury.

“Delighted with the lads, especially with the injuries we have. Brian's a colossal loss but the lads responded well to that, fought that bit harder, we knew we'd have to. Seán O'Neill is out from the forwards too. The footballers have had their share of injuries as well, really impacted them, and it is tricky.

“Attitude has been very good but we did look at the group and felt Aghabullogue would be the most difficult and we'll need to be absolutely at it against them.

“They're a great dual club. I went to see them against Éire Óg and I was very impressed with them, they're a great spread of scoring forwards and in this grade that's very important. Fierce work ethic. You'll get nothing easy from Aghabullogue so we'll know what to expect. We did a lot of good things against Éire Óg but at times we were a bit sloppy, maybe took the wrong options and the drive went out of us a bit towards the end.” 

Having reached last year’s final against Ballinhassig, Collig must cope with the weight of expectation this term.

“We've seen at this grade that every year is different. Kilworth got to a final and then they were in the relegation, Carrigaline were in a final and struggled a small bit to get that momentum back. 

There are so many teams challenging that it evens out so you can't expect to just be getting back to the latter stages.

“There's a lot of good teams down in East Cork, Valleys are going very well, Kilworth too and obviously Aghabullogue are motoring. You really just take every game as it comes.” 

Curran only returned to work alongside Ballincollig manager Éamonn Keating in July after serving as a Cork selector under Ben O’Connor. While they won All-Irelands side by side in 2004 and ’05, and in the 2023 management set-up at U20 level, Curran won’t be staying on with the Rebels next season.

“Ya look, I won’t be involved in the setup next year. I met up with Ben in his house a few weeks after the end of the inter-county season ended and I informed him I wouldn’t be going forward next year. I thanked him for a great few years at U20 level and last year’s opportunity also.

“I’m nothing but grateful towards Ben giving me the opportunity to try and get Cork to where everyone in the county wants us to be. 

Despite all the rumours me and Ben are great friends, and nothing will change that, we both have the same dream at heart, the same dream as every Cork person, and that’s to see Cork walk up the steps of the Hogan Stand.” 

Cork had a mixed season, winning all four of their group games in Munster before falling short in the provincial decider and the All-Ireland semi-final. It still comes as a surprise that Curran will no longer be involved.

“I suppose with any senior inter-county season plenty of challenges were encountered during the year, no different from every club and team in the country, we all know the way it is. This year was no different and the hardest part for me was the alignment of thoughts to overcome these challenges.

“Everyone on the management team wants the same thing but there are so many different ways of getting there. I want the best for Cork, so I thought it was in the best interest of Cork if I stepped away from the setup.” 

KEEPING THE FAITH

The three-time All-Star centre-back still has huge belief in the Cork hurlers and is convinced they’ve the talent to get over the line.

“Absolutely. They are some of the best players that have played the game for Cork and without doubt some of the top players in Ireland. 

I have been so impressed with their application, work ethic and drive to get Cork back to the top and have no doubt that will only continue until they reach their goal.

“They are great men and great role models to any children dreaming of playing for Cork. I wish them, all the management, Ben, Terence, Willie and Donal and all of the backroom team the best and when we do get over the line there will not be a happier man in Cork.”