'Savage belief' driving Nemo into last four, says forward Bryan Hayes
Nemo Rangers forward Bryan Hayes. Picture: Chani Anderson
Nemo Rangers forward Bryan Hayes says their quarter-final win over Castlehaven two weeks ago has reinforced the group’s belief as they turn their focus to Saturday’s McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC semi-final against Carrigaline at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (5.15pm).
Hayes, who hit 1-4 in the impressive 1-20 to 1-17 victory and was part of the Cork senior panel this year, was clear that Nemo travelled to the quarter-final with quiet confidence despite being labelled underdogs.
“We were under no illusions coming into the game,” he said.
“We were underdogs coming in against Castlehaven. They’ve got the better of us the last couple of years in county finals, so to get over the line was serious.
“A lot of people were doubting us, but we have savage belief within the camp. We were quietly confident going down the road, knowing we were due a performance.
“The Valley Rovers game in the last group match, we were quite good for large spells, but putting a performance together for 60 minutes against Castlehaven was probably the most rewarding thing for us as a team.”
The quarter-final also marked a rare occasion where Nemo had their full attacking cohort available together.
“It’s the first time in a couple of years that all of us have actually played together — Mark Cronin, myself, Ross Corkery, Luke Horgan, and Dara O’Sullivan coming on, who was super. It’s great to be playing together.”
Nemo’s route to the last four has been anything but straightforward. Trimmed by Newcestown in the opening round, they have pieced together momentum through wins over St Michael’s, Valley Rovers and Castlehaven.
“Maybe it might have been a blessing in disguise,” Hayes said of the early defeat.
“We bounced back from it. St Michael’s, Valley Rovers, Castlehaven — they’re all competitive games.
“Premier Senior football is so competitive these days that any game can go any way. We’re building momentum, so hopefully we can keep building on it now and push on into next Saturday.
“If a team doesn’t have belief, they’re probably not going to go anywhere. We have ambitions of winning a county and progressing even further. If you don’t have that belief, I don’t think you’re going to go much further.”
Saturday’s opponents Carrigaline are well known to Hayes — not least because he lives there.
“We played them in a league final two years ago and they got the better of us. They’re a big team, especially around the middle.
“We’re under no illusions — it’s going to come down to the wire. Every game from now on will be, and whoever wants it more will come out victorious.”
Hayes said Nemo’s younger players continue to benefit from the presence of seasoned leaders in the dressing room.
“People often forget there are lads in the dressing room who have played with the likes of Paul Kerrigan, who has won everything there is to win. There are serious leaders in the group.
“If you’re learning off them and gaining small bits of information each training session and each game, seeing how they prepare, you’re going to feed off that and adapt it into your own rituals. It’s a great experience and a privilege to have them involved.
“We’re happy with where we’re at. We’re still playing football at this time of year, and that’s all you want. Now it’s about a performance on the day.”
Carrigaline v Nemo Rangers, 5.15pm; Clonakilty v St Finbarr's, 7pm, both SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
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