'We needed a big performance - and we got one,' as Nemo finally get past Castlehaven

Nemo Rangers manager Robbie O’Dwyer said Sunday evening’s 1‑20 to 1‑17 victory over Castlehaven in Clonakilty was built on “character” and “work ethic” as his side booked their place in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC semi-finals.

In a meeting of two modern standard bearers of Cork football, Nemo produced one of their most resilient championship displays in recent seasons to finally get the better of a Castlehaven team that had beaten them in the 2023 and 2024 county finals. 

For O’Dwyer, the significance of that cannot be overstated.

“Yeah, look, it’s been disappointing for us the last couple of years,” he admitted. 

“We’ve lost county finals and we just didn’t get over the line. In my first year [2024], we probably were kind of building. Last year against the Barrs, we were just unlucky. Things just didn’t work out. We didn’t get the luck on the day we needed.

“But I would hope that this would hopefully stand to the lads. It was a great win. We weren’t favourites coming into the match.

"Castlehaven were favourites, to be honest, and justifiably so. But I saw great character today and I’m delighted with the performance.” 

That character was most evident in the final quarter. Nemo did lead by six points after 50 minutes. It was brought down to one. Crucially, they never allowed Castlehaven to draw level, and when the chance finally came, they found the two late points that pushed them over the line.

“Massive,” O’Dwyer said. 

“It’s all about the work ethic and the work rate. You’re always going to find that you’re under pressure. But in fairness to the lads, we told them: keep at it, keep going. Opportunities will come and we got a few opportunities and luckily enough we got over the line.” 

Two of the standout performers were Bryan Hayes and Ross Corkery, both of whom have endured injury‑interrupted seasons. O’Dwyer was thrilled to see them deliver on a big championship day.

“Yeah, superb,” he says.

“Ross in fairness has probably trained this year fully. This year he’s had a pre‑season. 

"Bryan was obviously in with the Cork seniors earlier on in the year. He went to Boston and then he came back, he got an injury. And he’s had it tough with injuries, but quite a talent if we can get him fit and keep him on the field. Hopefully that’ll continue for the next few weeks.” 

The timing of their return – along with others – is a major boost. Nemo’s group campaign was disrupted by injuries, but the squad is beginning to thicken again at the right moment.

“Yeah, I suppose we’re getting them back at the right time,” O’Dwyer states. 

“Hopefully everybody came through okay. Ronan Dalton – is the only player, he’s found it hard to breathe with his chest. I think he’s the only problem we have with injury. Everyone else came through okay.

“So look, we have two weeks now to build for the next game. We’ll take it as it comes.” 

That next game is a semi-final meeting with Carrigaline. 

“It’s not going to be easy and they’re a big physical side as well, so we’ll find it hard. But look, from our point of view, today was a great result for us. 

"We spoke about it during the week – we needed a big performance. I think we got a big performance today and I couldn’t be happier for the lads.”