Fermoy's Greg Lardner: 'Relegation hurt, but it reset us — now we're building something new'

Fermoy’s Greg Lardner is doubtful to tog out in Mallow on Sunday, but the Garda based in Waterford City has been ever‑present around the group during a season he describes as “a reset that has worked”.

Out injured, Lardner has watched from the sideline as Fermoy rebuilt themselves after last year’s relegation. 

They face Kiskeam in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC semi‑final on Sunday, with throw‑in at 3pm.

Relegation, he admits, cut deep.

“It was tough to take,” he says. 

“There were years of work that went into getting us up senior. To get relegated by O’Donovan Rossa last year was disappointing, but we regrouped in January. The aim from the minute we came down was to get back up.

“Maybe relegation was a positive in one sense. A quick reset, get new lads in, and it gives you that objective of winning silverware again. We’re getting 35 lads at training. It’s really positive.” 

That reset began with fresh voices. Eamon O’Connor came in as coach, joining manager Mick Dolan, and Lardner says the impact was immediate.

“Eamon’s been brilliant. Mick was there last year, but Eamon is doing all the coaching and he’s been fantastic.

“A couple of young lads have come through too, pushing fellas on. We won the county in 2018 against St Michael’s — a few of those lads are still there — but there’s a new squad now. It’s about creating new history for ourselves.

“There’s huge talent inside our group. Last year we pushed teams close but had no rub of the green. This year we’ve put it together.” 

Their group campaign proved that: a win over Naomh Abán, a loss to Nemo Rangers’ second team, and then a controversial one‑point victory over Ballinora. More on that shortly.

“It was a tough group, but it stood to us. Three really good games and a lot of positives.

“We knew exactly what Rockchapel would bring then in the quarter‑final. It was a dogged game. We got a goal from Ben Twomey that helped us over the line. We didn’t play to our best but still won, which was pleasing.” 

The Ballinora scoring incident that dominated headlines for a couple of weeks was handled calmly within the camp.

“We stayed out of it as players. We left management deal with everything. It wasn’t ideal, but Ballinora are a great side. We took huge learnings from that game. Massive respect for them.” 

Now comes Kiskeam — a novel enough semi‑final pairing with a huge prize on the line.

“They beat us in the county final in 2016. I wasn’t playing, but lads like Pádraig de Róiste and Tomás Clancy were. You can be sure they’ll use that as fuel. It will be a tough game, but it’s great to be in this position at this time of the year.”