Premier JHC: Fresh faces and fresh belief driving St Catherine's 

St Catherine’s player Kian O’Donoghue says the club’s renewed consistency, freshened management set‑up and a fully reset dressing room have all combined to put them in a strong position ahead of Saturday’s Co‑Op SuperStores Premier JHC semi-final against Barryroe in Ballymah (4pm).

The memory of last year’s quarter-final defeat to Ballygarvan lingered longer than anyone in Ballynoe wanted, and O’Donoghue doesn’t hide from it. 

“It was disappointing last year," he says.

"On the day we just didn’t really perform, and consistency has probably been our main issue in the past.” 

A demand for steadiness. 

They’ve delivered on that so far in 2026. Three group games, three wins, and each one asked different questions of them. The opener against Cloughduv was tight and tense. 

“We knew they’d be tough. They’re a traditional hurling club. We were lucky enough to get over them in the end — it was tit for tat near the finish.

"Milford then brought another test of that consistency. They got a late goal and had a purple patch before half-time. They came out strong after the break and got a score or two, but we kicked on again. Even that game could have gone either way.

"The third outing, against Tracton, was the one that truly stood to us. We spoke again about consistency. We knew they’d be good. We didn’t really perform, but we dogged it out and got the win. That’s the main thing.” 

In previous seasons, those flat days cost them. This year, they’ve learned how to grind.

O’Donoghue believes the reset after 2025 was necessary. 

“Back in 2023 we were in the county final, then straight into 2024 and got to another county final. Last year probably was a reset for us.

“Denis Walsh was very good for us the last few years — we were successful enough but just couldn’t get that county title. Now we’ve new management and it’s freshened things up.” 

Topping the group was another important marker. 

“Getting straight to the semi-final was a big help," O'Donoghue states.

"I think it’s the first year we’ve won all three group games since Premier Junior was brought in. Three from three — you can’t complain. Now we’re just looking for a proper performance the next day.” 

Barryroe, though, are a serious obstacle. They beat Cloughduv in their quarter-final.

“They’re a very strong West Cork team — physical, good hurlers. I haven’t played them myself but they’re obviously strong. Cloughduv are a strong outfit and Barryroe beat them, so that tells you plenty.”