With their season on the line, Na Piarsaigh found their best form

It was evident Na Piarsaigh players and management were mighty relieved following their 10-point win over Fermoy in their Co Op Superstores Senior A clash at Castlelyons.

The Farranree side looked in trouble after 20 minutes when trailing by 11 points but an exhibition of classy and gutsy hurling saw them reduce the deficit to the minimum at the break.

In the second half Na Piarsaigh dug deepest and deservedly secured the all-important win, much to the relief of manager Christy Connery.

“We came out looking for a fast start but that didn’t happen, and I suppose since the Erin’s Own loss, the lads knew they hadn’t shown up for that game and for the last three weeks we spoke about getting character back in our club,” said Connery.

Na Piarsaigh looked in trouble with their sluggish start, but Connery believes the hurling they showed after is very much in this group of players.

“Look when you get belief anything is possible, as we kept chipping away at the Fermoy lead and once we got our noses in front the manner we saw out the game was very pleasing,” added Christy.

Fermoy had a dream start with three goals in the opening 10 minutes, but Connery praised his side for how they quelled the onslaught.

“I am not going to say we defended badly as Fermoy found a way to carve us open as their half-forwards sat deep and we gave them far too much space. Look the lads soon tightened up and we didn’t allow them any more clear chances in front of goal.” 

Confidence restored

Connery is hoping his side can do much the same going forward.

“This performance cannot be just a one-off as we need our confidence sky high as losing a few games this season has knocked that side of our game, but I am sure this win will help our side big time.” 

The return of Ross O’Sullivan saw him chip in with 11 points and Connery believes his return was key to the team.

“I suppose that was the difference between what we witnessed in our loss to Erin’s Own that we had more bodies back and it showed you have got to have your best players on the field in this championship.” 

The shooting and work-rate of Daire Connery was eye-catching but the display by Cian Buckley at centre-back was off the charts.

“Cian is a wonderful talent that holds our defence together and this performance wasn’t a one-off as he is doing this for us over many years and when we needed inspiration he certainly gave it to us.” 

The ambition at Na Piarsaigh hasn’t dropped.

“We have never lacked belief in this team as our ambition at the start if the season was to win this championship and we are still there with everything to play for but the main priority for our club is that we don’t take a step backwards.

“We need be playing at the top tier to give the young players coming through something to aim at and believe me, we are trying very hard as a management team.

“Our last game against Killeagh will be another huge test but we fear no team and hopefully the lads will rise to the occasion in a must-win game.”