Eoghain O'Connor: Years of progress have led Kanturk to Éire Óg final

Kanturk manager Eoghain O’Connor believes his side’s growing ability to come through knockout championship battles has been a key factor in their run to the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC final, where they face Éire Óg at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday (2pm).

For a club that spent many years battling its way up through the ranks, reaching the second-grade county final represents another significant milestone in Kanturk’s remarkable rise.

O’Connor has seen that journey from several vantage points, first as a player and now as manager, and he feels this group has earned its place on county final day.

“The performances have been trending upwards over the last few years,” he says.

“We performed well in previous seasons but we didn’t always get over the line in knockout games at this grade. That was something we targeted at the start of the year. There were knockout matches in previous championships that, in our own eyes, we should have won and left behind us.

“This year, getting over the line in those games has been a big step forward for the group.” 

After overcoming Carbery Rangers in the semi-final, Kanturk have benefited from the opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the decider.

O’Connor admits the three-week break has been welcomed, particularly as it has allowed the squad to recover and fine-tune preparations.

“We were happy with the break,” he said.

“These lads are mad for it. They love meeting each other and there’s a great camaraderie there. Whether it’s gym sessions, shooting practice or team training, they want to be involved all the time.

“We’ve nearly been at something every second night since the Carbery Rangers game. Apart from not having competitive matches, it has been all systems go.” 

O’Connor credits strength and conditioning coach Seán Murphy with helping Kanturk remain competitive throughout a demanding campaign.

“He has been fantastic,” O’Connor states. 

“He’s extremely professional in everything he does and the players have completely bought into what he’s bringing.

“As a player and manager with Kanturk over the years, he’s definitely one of the best strength and conditioning coaches we’ve had involved with the club.” 

Standing between Kanturk and county glory is an Éire Óg side that have also shown a never-say-die spirit.

O’Connor expects another fiercely competitive encounter between two even teams.

“They’re a very good team," he says. 

“There’s strength in every line of the pitch. A lot of their players have played with Cork and Kerry, so there’s quality right throughout the team.

“We played them last year and there was very little between us. I’d expect it to be much the same this time. I don’t think there’ll be much between us at all.” 

While much attention has centred on midfield battles and the impact of the new rules, O’Connor believes dominance in any area of the field could ultimately decide the destination of the title.

“Every line of the pitch is important. If one team gets on top in any area, the other side is under pressure. That’s the reality of football and it’s no different in a county final.

“Finals are different. Things happen in county finals that don’t happen in any other game. I’ve played in them, I’ve won them and I’ve lost them.

“There are still moments from county finals that come back to me. No doubt there will be moments on Sunday that decide this one as well. Hopefully, when those moments arrive, they go our way.”