Nemo Rangers remind everyone of their class and depth to avoid elimination without a host of key players

After a mixed season for the 23-time champions, Nemo Rangers knew a loss on Sunday to Valley Rovers at sun-drenched Ballyanly would have ended their campaign.

The Trabeg outfit, missing four key players in Brian Hayes, Conor Horgan, Mark Cronin and Barry Cripps, would have been forgiven for struggling against a Valleys side with two wins on board. 

When you are in the trenches, you need players to stand up to be counted and that’s what manager Robbie O’Dwyer got. The victory eliminated Valleys on scoring difference, with Nemo coming second in the group behind Newcestown.

“To win a game against all the odds is very pleasing against a very good Valley Rovers side and for the lads to go out and put in a performance like that would please any manager."

Nemo had been leaking goals but defended resolutely here, winning 1-14 to 0-5.

“We knew improvement was needed and I asked the lads in defence and indeed all over the pitch just to have extra pride in the jersey and you could see how they responded.

Such was the intensity, Valleys were restricted to one point in the opening 30 minutes.

“Work-rate and togetherness is crucial for any team and not giving our opponents any space was key and when this group are fully on their game, they are a quality unit.” 

After an opening day defeat to Newcestown, Nemo have regrouped and now take on Castlehaven in the quarter-final.

“Obviously we spoke to the lads about the players that didn’t make it today and I think the great thing about this team is the lads from the Premier Intermediate team who have stepped up to the mark when we needed them in our hour of need.

“For us, our panel is between the senior and intermediate players and we had to bring players from the extended panel to the starting lineup today.

“Just look at corner-back Neville O’Shea and corner-forward Dara O’Sullivan, they both were outstanding." 

Heart of a lion

There is little doubt Nemo are in transition, but the display given by Ross Corkery also came in for special praise from his manager.

In fairness, Ross has had a couple of bad years with injuries. He had a great preseason and is now beginning to look the real deal for us.” 

Stephen Cronin looked in trouble in the first half when he was at the end of a nasty head challenge and although going off for treatment in the 27th minute he returned for the restart.

“What can I say about Stephen only to have a player of his quality and experience would lift any team and I have to admit I thought he was in trouble when coming off, but he has the heart of a lion.” 

With the Haven looming, Nemo will hope for some respite on the injury front. .

“Of course, it’s a race against time but I am hoping that Conor Horgan and Mark Cronin will have a chance but for now it’s all about dusting ourselves down and getting ready for a tough quarter-final that will be a completely different challenge than we experienced.”

Premier Senior Football Championship draw:

Carrigaline through to semis. 

Quarter-finals: Clonakilty v Newcestown, Castlehaven v Nemo Rangers, St Finbarr’s v Carbery. 

Relegation playoff: Ballincollig v St Michael’s