Mixed emotions as Éire Óg coach Eddie Murphy sends home club Bishosptown into relegation decider

There were mixed emotions for Éire Óg coach Eddie Murphy after he helped the club avoid relegation by defeating Bishopstown in the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship.

On one hand, the Muskerry side enjoyed a comfortable 0- 16 to 0-9 victory in Blarney. They trailed just once and never looked like falling apart after wedging their way in front in the 10th minute.

The other side of it is Murphy’s own history as Bishopstown are his club, his father is even one of the founders of the southside institution. The conflicting feelings were made worse by the state of play in the division as the loss sends the city side into their third relegation play-off in three seasons.

The duality was a strange one for the coach, who was also thrilled to get the win with Éire Óg.

“We’re delighted – we worked very hard this week after they had football last week,” he explained.

“With Aghabullogue and Ballincollig, we were ahead and doing well but we conceded silly goals which put us back. We were determined not to do that against Bishopstown. We knew that Bishopstown got most of their scores from frees and we were determined not to give them away.

Front foot

“We don’t always have a good start but we were determined to have a good start for ourselves. We took the initiative from the get-go. I thought we deserved the win.

Bishopstown are my own club – my dad founded Bishopstown in 1957 and I hope Bishopstown win the relegation play-off.

“There’s some great people involved in Bishopstown. They are great people, but I am also delighted for Éire Óg, management team and players. They put in a huge effort. 

"They are all dual players so it is not easy. You are training every second week. They showed great heart against Bishopstown, to go out and win it.

“They are a great hurling team. Aghabullogue and Ballincollig are two very good sides [as well]. Thank God we are safe from relegation.” 

What got Éire Óg over the line was their fast start and making sure they dominated possession, while doing the basics right.

“We got a good start and our aim was to have a good start,” Murphy explained.

“Our aim was to not let Bishopstown have a good start. They started like a train against Aghabullogue and Ballincollig. We were determined to take the initiative from the get-go. Bishopstown’s defence is very well structured. Very few get goals off them.

“I felt our backs played outstandingly well. We picked up a lot of breaking balls and high balls. We dominated possession and I thought we were the better team overall, but Bishopstown never gave in. 

"They are a great side and they never give in, they are a great club. But I am delighted for Éire Óg for the effort put in, the players themselves especially.”