Carrigaline riding wave of belief as Éanna Desmond hails 'brilliant' start

Carrigaline forward Éanna Desmond says the club’s strong start to Group 1 of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC has been built on momentum, belief, and a growing maturity within the squad.

He insists nothing is taken for granted ahead of a decisive meeting with Douglas in two weeks. The sharpshooter is the 96FM/C103 Sports Award winner for July, in association with co-sponsors the Rochestown Park Hotel.

Carrigaline have taken four points from four, beating county champions St Finbarr’s and then Mallow, and Desmond says the last month or so has been “brilliant”.

“It’s been busy enough, but brilliant,” he says. 

“We’re taking every game as it comes. We started very well against the Barrs, and the football has been going very well all year. 

"We got a good draw against Ballymartle in the hurling last weekend, so we’re still in that as well. It’s hectic, but that’s what you want.” 

Just before the championship, Carrigaline received a major lift in the football, promotion from Division 2 and becoming the first winners of the new Paudie Palmer Trophy.

“Winning the Paudie Palmer Trophy was special,” Desmond said. 

“We knew what he did for Cork GAA as a whole — he was a stalwart. We were only delighted to get back playing Division 1 for 2027. That was the goal.

“We had a disappointing league in Division 1 last year and ended up relegated, so it was nice to bounce back and be playing against the best. That’s where you want to be.” 

That momentum carried straight into championship, where Carrigaline produced one of the standout results of the opening weekend by beating St Finbarr’s.

“Everyone has to be on the ball when you play the Barrs,” Desmond states. 

“We were riled up, very motivated. We just put together a savage performance. There was a great buzz after. They’ve given us a few trimmings over the last few years, so it was nice to get one back.

“The league was so important. We got a good bounce after winning the Paudie Palmer Trophy, and then had two or three weeks leading into the Barrs game. What better preparation could you want? We played Uibh Laoire in the league final, who are a really good side. That’s exactly what you need.” 

Carrigaline backed up that opening-round win with a tight, hard-earned victory over Mallow, despite being without key men Brian O’Driscoll and Callum Barrett.

“Brian was missing, and hopefully he’ll be back for the next day. Callum picked up a knock too — he was excellent against the Barrs. But it’s next man in, really.

“It wasn’t as flowing as the Barrs game, but we just wanted to get two points and get out of there. Sometimes you have to win ugly. Mallow are a very good team.

“They relegated us in 2023 after a replay, so every time we play Mallow it’s tight. They’re big, strong, athletic, and they have a few very good shooters. 

"We weren’t underestimating them at all. Thank God we got over it. It mightn’t have been as flowing as we’d like, but who cares? We got the job done.” 

Two wins from two means Carrigaline enter their final group game against Douglas in a strong position — but Desmond stresses that nothing is guaranteed.

“Our record isn’t too great against Douglas,” he says. 

“Since I started playing senior, the margins have been pretty fine. If Douglas beat us, we could be out. If we win or draw, we progress. So we’re just focusing on Douglas now. They’re a really good side and very well coached. We’re buzzing for it.

“You see all the results in the past — a bad result here or there and it goes out of your control. It’s great for spectators, but tough on players. 

"A win or draw against Douglas will control our own destiny in terms of progressing. That’s all we’re looking for, a good result against Douglas and move on.”