O’Sullivan hails application of determined players

DUHALLOW hurling manager Jim O’Sullivan paid a huge tribute to his heavily involved charges after a hard fought victory over Bride Rovers in the County SHC.

From a tight, tense and entertaining contest, Duhallow proved themselves marginally the better side and their reward is progress into the business end of a competitive championship.

“Some of those involved played two championship games over the weekend, its difficult, nobody can question commitment, the players love hurling. We ‘ve a small hurling population yet everybody works hard to promote the game,” said Jim.

Duhallow recovered from a low key start yet by the end of the opening half, they were driving in top gear after a surperb Jack Murphy goal.

“We were on top, and at half time, the plan was to put more scores on the board to allow us push on. And while we did add to the tally, there was no comfortable run in, that’s fair play to Bride Rovers, a very good club team,” he said.

“Our pace and running is good, coming from a lot of young hurlers in our setup, they are mobile and with a little luck, we could hasd added a few more goals, that didn’t happen and it required us going to the well during the latter stages and land the late points to get over the line”.

Not for the first time, Duhallow players faced into a hectic schedule and hot temperatures made added to the demands yet O’Sullivan commended the imput of county players Anthony Nash, Mark Ellis and Lorcán McLoughlin.

“Given the fixtures, its not easy being a Duhallow hurler, There are high profile players, leaders on the team. I’m lucky on coming up through the ranks with these players from underage, they show huge respect,” he said.

We don’t get on pitch that often together but we’re constantly in contact, the Cork players drive this, without their input, it probally would fall asunder. I think, they appreciate the work undertaken with them at underage and this has developed onto senior level.”

Though defeated by Sarsfields in Round 2A, wins over Youghal and Bride Rovers sees Duhallow advance and O’Sullivan is optimistic about further progress albeit the level of opposition is sure to step up.

“Duhallow are capable of making further progress, they are a number of key players that can come into the panel, players such as Aidan Walsh, John McLoughlin, William Egan and Darren Browne are capable of embracing a pitch anywhere. We are in the draw for round 4 and hopefully, we can take on that challenge,” he said.