Kiskeam's Seán Meehan: We always knew we could compete at this grade

Kiskeam defender Seán Meehan says his side are exactly where they believed they could be as they prepare for Sunday’s McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC semi‑final against Fermoy in Mallow (3pm).

Meehan has been central to Kiskeam’s steady climb at this grade since relegation from Senior A in 2024, and while some might view their last‑four place as a surprise, the Cork footballer insists the group never doubted their potential.

“We probably always knew we have the potential to be challenging on our day,” he said.

“I feel like we can be as good as anyone. Not really too surprised ourselves. We have good belief within the squad and we are happy to be there, that’s for sure.” 

That belief was sharpened during a strong group campaign, capped by a gutsy win in their final outing against Macroom, which sealed a direct passage to the last four.

“We battled back well at the end of that game and it was great to get straight to the semi‑final,” Meehan says.

“To be fair, it was brilliant. I would just say after getting relegated from Senior A a couple of years ago, it’s probably a case of rebuilding again. 

"We’re probably on the second year of that now, so I suppose that’s where the improvement has come.

“We have a few new players and they’ve got a year or two under their belt as well, so they’re a little bit more mature now. I would put it on to them more so.” 

Kiskeam’s population may be small, but Meehan says that reality has shaped a tight, hard‑working group who pride themselves on squeezing every drop out of their resources.

“We’re a very small place,” he states.

“To be fair, we have to make the most out of what we have and it’s something we probably pride ourselves on. We do really have to make the most of what we have.

“We’ve done a nice bit together in recent weeks dealing with the four‑week break, and you realise how small a pick we have. It’s sorting out injuries and getting a block of work in as well. That’s kind of the way we’ve approached it.” 

They also kept an eye on Fermoy’s quarter‑final win over Rockchapel, even if Meehan himself wasn’t present.

“I wasn’t there, I don’t know if other players were at it, but in fairness they had a great win.

“It will be a difficult match the next day. Two competitive teams, and the two of us will go at it and may the best team win.” 

Kiskeam’s response to relegation has been notable: competitive last year, and now pushing deeper again.

“That was the aim really,” Meehan says.

“You want to stop going down, basically. It was important. We’re competing for positive results now and positive games, and it’s good to be involved in these matches."

McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC semi-finals:

Sunday

Uibh Laoire v Naomh Abán, Macroom, 2pm; Kiskeam v Fermoy, Mallow, 3pm.