| |||
 by Gerald McCarthy The Evening Echo 16th March 2004 | |||
|
Complacency the big worry IF Newtownshandrum are facing into the biggest day in their sporting
lives in an over-confident or dismissive mood then they would do well to
think again as they face into their St Patrick’s Day Club Final against
Dunloy.
I firmly believe that Newtown can only beat themselves. This is not
meant to belittle or downgrade the magnificent efforts of Dunloy who play
their second consecutive All-Ireland club final having lost out to Birr in
last year’s final. This is a very experienced team who come from a “little
republic” of hurling in Antrim. They have shattered the dreams of a lot
of good teams over the years, just ask the Mount Sion lads whom they beat
in last year’s semi-final. The club have played in four previous finals
and lost them all.
So the first real thing Dunloy have going for them is that they are
surely steeled by their previous experiences. Nothing prepares you better for
renewed challenges than suffering the greatest hurt of all: walking
away from Croke Park as defeated finalists. That is the kind of experience
that you cannot buy, or no coach can instil and it makes Dunloy all the more
dangerous.
I was lucky enough to win two All-Ireland club medals with the Barrs.
Great occasions that meant everything to a great bunch of players, but even
more to our huge number of loyal supporters who shared as much as we did in
our wonderful successes.
Those were indeed the days of wine and roses! But the All-Ireland Club
final I remember the most is the one we lost to Ballyhale Shamrocks (check
name) of Kilkenny when I was coach to the team. The feeling of utter dejection
and emptiness that is part of losing at this level has to be experienced to
be appreciated. All the might-have-beens and all the if only we had done
this or that differently that invade and wreck your mind afterwards. Yes I
know only too well how defeats like that can steel you for future battles.
Dunloy are a good side, not exceptional but certainly a bunch of
players that will be determined to learn from their past experiences. In Ger
O’Neill from Cappawhite in Tipperary, they have a figure who has made a lot of
sacrifices for the cause of Dunloy, and they respect him greatly. The
loss of that fine hurler Gary O’Kane could be immense but they have had time
to adjust to that situation and are confident that they can follow in the
footsteps of their arch rivals Loughgiel who captured the club title in
1983.
But no matter what way you loot at this game, in the cold light of day
it must be said that Newtown hold all the aces going into this one.
Pat Mulcahy at the heart of their defence has been a tower of strength.
His work rate, often covering in behind his half backs, is remarkable and he
is not slow to burst forward when the opportunity presents itself.
He must however keep his discipline and focus at all times in what is
the launching pad position for this Newtown side. His contribution is going
to be a vital one.
Jerry O’Connor at midfield is another whose star is intensifying.
Often cast in the shadow of his more famous twin Ben, Jerry has been a superb
figure in Newtown’s march to this final, with his electrifying runs and
his great ability to his long range points. Indeed this is an aspect of
Newtown’s play that is often overlooked and could be the key to victory.
Ben O’Connor is of course the jewel in the crown for Netown followers
and is probably the biggest single factor in their victories over Patrickswell
and O’Loughlin Gaels. His control of the sliothar when he sets off on
speedy runs is remarkable and he displayed nerves of steel when he was called
upon to lead that equalising point in the drawn game with O’Loughlins.
Yes Ben is going to have a huge influence on the game and Dunloy will
have to find some way of curtailing him if they are going to harbour any
thoughts of victory. But even if they do, I can’t see them limit all three of
this splendid Newtown diamond. An even bigger worry for Dunloy must be the
realisation that most of their lads are almost 10 years now on the go.
Can they realistically be expected to cope with the Newtown style which is
famous now for its blinding speed and skill? Can they match the Corkmen
on those energy-burning runs that have left a whole load of quality teams
in their wake?
For me these are the burning questions and I can’t see the Northerners
matching Newtown in these vital departments. So its all to play for then
for the biggest prize in club hurling. Whoever wins will be heroes forever
in their own communities. However a tough examination awaits both teams. If
its an open free-flowing game then the odds are very much in Newtown’s
favour and patrons in Croke Park will be treated to an exhibition of all that
is best in the ancient game. If its a classic game then you can bank on
Newtown.
If its a war of attrition and if Dunloy can spoil and curtail the
silken skills of Newtown then they are there with a shout if they can play the
game of their lives. They will need to.
I really believe complacency and over confidence are the two biggest
obstacles facing Newtown and if their focus and discipline is right than
its the North Corkmen who will bring the All-Ireland club title back to Cork
for the first time since Midleton in 1986.
| ||
www.newtownshandrum.com | |||