A stern test of Fermoy
They came back hungry this year. They really wanted to show what they’re all about... the past is the past
2016 and failing to reach the high standards they set for themselves last season.
“They came back hungry this year. They really wanted to show what they are about. Of course the past is the past but these guys want to put things right for themselves. We have a lot of great young talent in the squad and they help to bring the side on – everyone has their roll in this squad.”
Hennessy has almost a full squad to pick from with only Ronan O’Callaghan a doubt for the game.
“Ronan won’t be starting as he is still trying to get back from an injury suffered in Round 3 against Kanturk. He is working really hard and hopefully he might play some part. Other than that we have a clean bill of health right now so that is a positive for us.”
St Michaels are favourites for the title with all the bookmakers right now however the manager is clear he couldn’t care less about that.
“I don’t worry about the bookies. They have their job and we have ours. We will put it up to them (St Michaels) on Sunday and do our best. We have worked hard in training and I genuinely believe we have been getting slicker as the competition has progressed.
“There is a great buzz around the place and that feeds into the whole club. The bunting is out all over the place and we are getting well wishes from all over world. This would be massive for the club and the town, but we have an awful lot to do before we can even think about winning this.
“St Michaels are a very good side with as much to prove as us after last season.
“They seemed to come back even stronger than last year which puts them right up there but we are a good side too. They were unlucky last year against Mallow and won’t want that to happen them again.”
The fact that hurling is out of the equation a little earlier than was hoped in Fermoy seems to have benefited the Fermoy football challenge, however, Hennessey is clear that while he has loved the time for the players to concentrate solely on football his side of the aisle are fully behind the stick men.
“We have a great relationship in this club between the two codes and the players that love to play both are fully supported by all.
“A lot of the players want to do both so it is up to us to make sure they can. From my perspective right now of course it is great to have a few weeks of just football as that can’t hurt our preparations.
“I have had the privilege of training most of these players at Under 16 and minor over the years and I always said they would achieve great things. These guys are making their own history – following their own path and I am very proud of what they have achieved so far on and off the field – this season is a credit to them all.”
Verdict: Fermoy