Chris Kelly relishing chance to help Éire Óg complete return to top table

For Chris Kelly, Sunday’s McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC final against Kanturk at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (2pm) is about more than simply winning silverware.

The Éire Óg goalkeeper and former Cork number one knows victory would complete the Ovens club’s mission of returning to the Premier Senior ranks after suffering relegation in 2024, ending a two-season stay at Senior A level.

Having fallen at the semi-final stage last year, Éire Óg have gone one better this season and now stand just 60 minutes away from promotion and a county title.

When a new management ticket led by Eoin Fehily and Carthach Keane came in at the start of the season, Kelly says the focus was always on steady progress rather than looking too far ahead.

“When you sit down with a new management team, the first stage was getting over the league and we kind of broke the year down into phases,” Kelly explained.

“Once we got through the league, our first task was Bishopstown. We didn’t really look beyond that once the draws came out. 

"But if you said you didn’t want to be in a county final at the end of the year, you’d be lying. That’s always the goal, no matter what grade you’re playing in.” 

The arrival of a new management team has undoubtedly brought fresh energy to a squad that has remained competitive despite the disappointment of relegation.

“There’s definitely a freshness there,” Kelly said.

“None of the players had worked with any of them before, which was good because it was a clean slate for everyone. We couldn’t be happier with how things have gone so far this year.”

While Éire Óg suffered relegation from Division 1 of the county league this year, Kelly believes their performances throughout the campaign provided valuable encouragement heading into championship football.

“Getting relegated was disappointing, obviously, but if you look over the league campaign there were plenty of positives as well,” he said.

“We had some good results and good performances. In the championship, we’ve been quite happy with where we are.” 

Like many goalkeepers, Kelly has also had to adapt to Gaelic football’s new rules, but he feels the changes have been overwhelmingly positive for players and supporters alike.

“It’s very enjoyable.

“There’s probably a little bit less running for goalkeepers now which isn’t a bad thing. 

"The kickout side of it has changed somewhat, with fewer short kickouts and maybe more medium-range kicking, but overall I think the new rules have been fantastic for the game.” 

Éire Óg needed every ounce of belief and resilience in their dramatic semi-final victory over Cill na Martra, overturning a significant deficit before producing a remarkable comeback.

At one stage, it looked as though their season was slipping away, behind by eight points.

“There were stages when you probably felt it was gone,” Kelly admitted.

“When they got the second goal, I was thinking ‘here we go again’ after what happened in last year’s semi-final.

“But we always had faith in the lads up front. At the end of the day, you keep playing until the final whistle. That’s all you can ask.” 

Kelly also points to the strength in depth that exists within the Éire Óg panel as a key factor behind their progress this year.

“That’s probably something we haven’t had in previous years,” he states. 

“I think we’ve used around 21 players on the Senior A team this year and everybody is driving each other on in training. It has been really positive.” 

Standing between Éire Óg and promotion are a powerful Kanturk side. 

“Kanturk are a very good outfit. 

“They’re a big, physical team and you can see that from both their football and hurling teams. But they’re also very talented footballers.

“There’ll be nothing between the teams. We’re very similar in a lot of ways and I think everyone is expecting a very tight game."