Players are competitive bunch
NEWCOMERS Dromtariffe showed no fears of big reputations on overcoming a more experienced Iveleary in the County JAFC semi-final, doing so with a mixture of energy and power, decorated with exceptional individual contributions that left their opponents flatfooted.
A patient revival was rewarded, Dromtarriffe rising to the challenge in stunning fashion to land a two point victory. The mantle of favouritism had accompanied Iveleary beforehand yet Dromtarffe shredded such talk with a purposeful and skilful display that delighted team coach Kieran Creed.
“We were out of it early on, a seasoned Iveleary were strong and physical on the ball, it took us a time to recover from the concession of their goal. Still, Dromtariffe got into the game, happy to be two points at half time”, he said.
“With the game was up for grabs, All Ireland U-17 hurling player Conor O’Callaghan came into it in the centre and we moved Seamus O’Sullivan to full forward. Sometimes positional switches work, every player put their shoulder to the wheel, changes made a difference on this occasion, that allowed us get over the line”, said Creed.
Its been a roller coaster journey for Dromtariffe, out of adversary after a loss to Boherbue in the divisional JAFC Final replay, they’ve reignited their season and passed assignments against Charleville, St. Michaels and Iveleary. In between, Dromtariffe enjoyed a rewarding JAHC campaign, landing a first time Duhallow at their initial attempt.
“The majority of our players are dual, they ‘ve enjoyed the experience, disappointed on not completing a double, having been ever so close to adding a football title”, said the former Clondrohid and Muskerry great”, said Creed.
“We came here to win, I had seen Iveleary in a number of their games in Mid Cork and in the county. That provided an insight on their type of play, not a perfect performance by Dromtariffe to counteract on a nervous start but certainly a good enough base from which to build upon ahead of the decider”, he said.
Creed brings a wealth of football knowledge and for Dromtariffe to advance to a County JAFC final in a massive statement of their desire to revive former glory days. And the coach recognises that Dromtariffe will have to produce an exceptional performance to overcome a fancied Kilmacabea who defeated Boherbue in a quarter final replay.
“We’re in a final, we will do our best, hopefully better as against Iveleary where two traditional football clubs were on view, the same will apply against Kilmacabea where both sides will strive might and main for a county title. The Carbery champions are favourites yet the Dromtariffe players are a competitive bunch, a close knit group who work hard for each other, rewarded on reaching a county final”, he said.