Robbie O'Dwyer: Pressure is off as Nemo target Munster run

The celebrations were deserved, but they were never going to last too long.

After ending their wait for Cork Premier SFC glory with victory over St Finbarr's two weeks ago, Nemo Rangers have switched their attention towards Sunday's Munster Club SFC quarter-final against Tipperary champions Loughmore-Castleiney at Páirc Uí Rinn (1.15pm).

Manager Robbie O'Dwyer admitted there was an opportunity to savour what was a significant achievement for the club, but with a provincial campaign now beckoning, the focus quickly returned to football.

"We spoke about it actually on the Sunday night when we went back to the club and when we were having our meal," O'Dwyer explained.

"We said we'd like to have a go at and have a run at the Munster. Let's enjoy the couple of days and we'll get back into it before the end of the week, which we did.

"In fairness, after the heartbreak of the last few years, the lads deserved that. We enjoyed it for the few days and now we're trying to move forward."

Nemo's victory over St Finbarr's has added another county crown to one of the most decorated clubs in the country, but there remains an appetite within the group to make an impact beyond Cork.

The Munster championship has provided plenty of memorable days for the Trabeg club over the decades and O'Dwyer believes there is genuine excitement about what may lie ahead.

"We've obviously done quite well in Munster over the years," he said.

"It's something we spoke about and after the disappointment in 2022, there are still a lot of fellas involved in the panel who would like to go that little bit further.

"We're under no illusions though. Loughmore-Castleiney are going to be tough and any team you play in the Munster club championship is going to be difficult."

The memory of Nemo's defeat to Clonmel Commercials in their last provincial outing four years ago inevitably resurfaced this week, but O'Dwyer insists the squad is approaching this campaign with a fresh outlook.

"Of course fellas will think about it, but we're trying to go in with a clean slate," he says.

"This is a fresh beginning for us after winning the county. I think the pressure is off now and anything from here is a bonus.

"I know they were beaten by Clonmel in 2022, but that was four years ago. The experienced players are still there but there's a lot of new talent in the team as well, so hopefully we'll be in the right frame of mind and give it a good go."

Nemo's tradition and history continue to drive standards within the club. A number of players involved in the current setup have experienced success over many years and their appetite remains undiminished.

"The amount of time, effort, hunger and drive they have to keep going year after year is incredible," O'Dwyer states.

"They do it for the love of the club, the love of the jersey and because they love Nemo Rangers. Tradition probably has a bit to do with that as well."

Awaiting them are a Loughmore-Castleiney side who have become accustomed to success in Tipperary. O'Dwyer knows his side face a significant examination against opponents carrying plenty of pedigree.

The Tipperary champions are dual specialists and boast several talented performers from the renowned McGrath family. 

"We had a look at them and they're a good side.

"They're no strangers to coming out of Tipperary and playing Munster club football.

"They've won hurling titles as well and they have a lot of talent. We won't be taking anything for granted.

"We know what's there for us and it's going to be difficult. We'll just have to perform. If we perform and we're good enough, it'll be great, but it's a tough task and it could go either way."