Robbie O'Dwyer backs Nemo's depth for latest county title bid

Nemo Rangers have become accustomed to county final day, but the challenge now is turning another appearance into silverware.

The Trabeg club will contest a fifth successive Premier SFC final when they face holders St Finbarr's at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday (4pm). 

Having fallen at the final hurdle in each of the last three seasons, including a narrow defeat to the Barrs 12 months ago, manager Robbie O'Dwyer believes the hunger within his squad remains as strong as ever.

“I suppose in fairness that's down to the players really,” he says.

“Their attitude and their hunger. At the start of the year obviously our goal was to try and get back to the final. We didn't have a great start to the season and had a lot of injuries in the league.

“The first group game against Newcestown didn't go that well but, in fairness, they knuckled down. From there on we've worked hard, we've got over the line and we've had a little bit of luck, which I think you need. 

"They're a great bunch of players. Their attitude, commitment and dedication have been great.” 

Nemo's campaign has been far from straightforward. An opening-round championship loss to Newcestown left plenty of questions surrounding their prospects.

Instead of allowing the setback to derail their season, O'Dwyer's side responded impressively, building momentum through victories over St Michael's and Valley Rovers before producing one of the championship performances of the year against Castlehaven at the quarter-final stage.

The manager admitted the Newcestown defeat forced an honest assessment within the camp.

“Things just didn't go with us on the day,” he said.

“I thought we were a bit flat and we didn't play the way we normally play. Newcestown were better on the day and deserved their win.

“We obviously spoke about it afterwards and said we needed to knuckle down and start working harder. The lads were disappointed themselves. 

"I didn't have to tell them that. But they knew there was more in us and things worked out well after that.” 

The quarter-final success against Castlehaven represented a significant turning point. Few outside the Nemo dressing-room fancied their chances of ending the West Cork club's challenge, but O'Dwyer's men delivered when it mattered most.

“A lot of people didn't think we were able to beat them,” he stated. 

“Castlehaven have been a very good team over the last few years and they were playing well. But we went down to Clonakilty confident in our own ability.

“When it came down the stretch, we were under pressure but showed great composure. We pushed on and won the game.

“But you win nothing at that stage. You're into a semi-final and there is still a lot to do. We beat Carrigaline the last day. We knew there was another tough test coming.” 

One noticeable difference this year has been the depth at Nemo's disposal.

“There's a couple of younger fellas who have come on,” O'Dwyer explained.

“Ross Corkery and Bryan Hayes had injury-hit seasons last year and they're fully fit now.

“Then you have fellas like Dara O'Sullivan and Conor Horgan coming off the bench. We probably have a couple of extra players this year that we didn't have in previous years.

“At the end of the day it's a 20-man game and if we have four or five fellas who can come on and do a job, that's hugely important.” 

Standing between Nemo and the title are a St Finbarr's side that O'Dwyer greatly admires. The Barrs claimed the county crown last year and followed that up with a strong Munster club campaign.

“Obviously they're a very good side,” he says.

“We know exactly what we're up against and we're under no illusions. It's going to be a tough battle. We respect them and they respect us.

“We're just hoping we might come out on the right side this time.”