County finals are like buses for Carrigaline GAA. They’ve waited nine years to reach one; and now two come along at once!
There's a sense of excitement around Carrigaline that hasn't been felt in some time. The Yellowbellies’ are in not one but two county finals, the footballers taking centre stage this Sunday, October 27th, in the SAFC and the hurlers on November 10th in the PIHC. The two-week gap is to accommodate Carrigaline's dual players.
It was a dramatic affair in the semi-final for Mikey Meaney’s team when Ryan Delaney, who came on in midfield, went in the sticks for the penalty shootout. Playing in goal is no foreign territory for Delaney, who has had previous spells with Cork City FC and Cobh Ramblers FC. Delaney saved four penalties and scored his own, and he was the well-deserved hero of the night as Carrigaline beat Kanturk to reach the SAFC final.
Carrigaline, who were relegated from the top tier of Cork football following defeat to Mallow after a replay in the Premier SFC relegation play-off, now face Knocknagree in the Senior A Football Championship. If all goes well, they hope to replicate last year's winners, Newcestown, by bouncing straight back up.
Coach Kevin O’Sullivan revealed the team came together last December and outlined their ambitions for the 2024 season; getting promoted back to the top-tier of Cork football.
With injuries plaguing the panel at the end of the 2023 season and the start of 2024, O’Sullivan admitted that there were times when he felt they weren’t as strong as they should be, but “throughout the year we blooded new players and new young players which really showed against Kanturk.”
One of these new players included Cork Senior footballer Brian O’Driscoll, who made the transfer to Carrigaline from Tadhg MacCarthaigh. O’Driscoll who moved to the area said it was a difficult decision to make but praised his new teammates and coaching staff, “ They're progressive group, well managed, well coached. I’ve been enjoying it”.
Despite signing in January, O’Driscoll didn’t debut for Carrigaline until mid-July following Cork’s exit from the inter-county championship. His first game saw him win his first medal when Carrigaline defeated Nemo Rangers in the Division 1 Football League Final. After being relegated last year this win gave Carrigaline a much needed boost going into Championship season.
Dual player Kevin Kavanagh, who came off injured in the semi-final, has experienced the highs and lows of sport while wearing the Carrigaline jersey but is very excited about the possibilities over the next few weeks.
"We would have planned on going far into the competition but just tried to focus game by game. The grade is very competitive, and we know anyone can beat anyone. Thankfully, luck has been on our side, and we made it through a couple of tight games." Kevin told The Carrigdhoun.
There's a saying in sports that a team is as strong as its bench, and Kavanagh believes the Carrigaline subs bench will make the most impact on the day. "Our bench was probably the difference in getting past Kanturk in the semi-final, and our forwards have been razor sharp throughout the campaign; they've kicked very few wides."
In the semi-final Carrigaline made a total of eight substitutions, which was a key factor in the win over Kanturk. “Everyone we brought on made an impact, which was the difference. Kanturk’s changes weren’t as strong as ours and it showed” O’Sullivan said. Kevin O’Reilly was one of the standout subs. Just back from injury he kicked four points and has been a prominent player throughout the year and is bound to be an asset in the upcoming final.
With promotion back to Senior football at stake, nerves are natural, but Kavanagh believes the team's confidence and belief in their ability will help them 'use them in the right way.'
Carrigaline face Knocknagree in the SAFC Final in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday 27th of September. Throw-in 1:30pm.
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