Robbie O'Dwyer hopeful of near full-strength Nemo for Munster quarter-final

Nemo Rangers manager Robbie O'Dwyer is hopeful of having close to a full hand to choose from for Sunday's Munster Club SFC quarter-final against Loughmore-Castleiney after reporting a largely clean bill of health following the county final success last Sunday week. 

The Cork champions emerged from a physically demanding encounter with St Finbarr's without any significant setbacks, leaving O'Dwyer encouraged as preparations intensify for the provincial challenge.

While a number of players picked up the usual bruises and knocks associated with a county final, the Nemo boss expects the vast majority of his squad to be available.

"Most of us came through okay," O'Dwyer says. 

"There's a few little niggles and things like that, but nothing to worry about and nothing that will keep anybody out of the game.

"At the moment everyone seems to be okay. We trained Thursday night, we did a small bit on Saturday, but most of them seem to be fine. It's just knocks and bruises and there's nothing serious."

Having strength in depth available could prove crucial if Nemo are to make progress in Munster, and O'Dwyer acknowledged the importance of having a healthy panel at this stage of the season.

"You need a panel of players and you need everyone fit," he said.

"If you have injuries it takes away from your chances. We found with the panel we've had this year that things have progressed nicely and they all seem to be fitting in well at the moment.

"I think that's important if we want to go further in the competition."

One player whose situation remains uncertain is Barry Cripps. He continues to make progress in his recovery, though a final decision on his availability is unlikely until later in the week.

"He's getting better," O'Dwyer states. 

"He's improving every day.

"Whether he'll be available for the game or not, we'll have a better indication of that on Thursday night."

Meanwhile, Nemo will enjoy the benefit of familiar surroundings when they face the Tipperary champions at Páirc Uí Rinn.

With SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh unavailable due to scheduled maintenance work, the game has been fixed for the Ballintemple venue. 

"We've played a lot of games in Páirc Uí Rinn and we're no strangers to the place," O'Dwyer says.

"We've had good campaigns there as well when we've come out of the county.

"But look, a pitch is a pitch at the end of the day. You have to go and play and that's what it's all about. It's the same for both teams."

The venue should also help generate a strong Nemo following, with the ground only a short distance from the club. O'Dwyer was heartened by the support that greeted the team after their county final triumph and expects the Nemo faithful to turn out in force again.

"Success is everything really," he said.

"The support has been great. The people back at the club said they'll follow us through the Munster club as well, so I'd hope they'll come out in force and support the team. I think they will."