O’Connor ready to make most of his opportunity
ANYBODY who is involved in the Munster club championship knows the psychological preparation that is needed coming into the week of a big game.
It’s something new to Dromtariffe, playing a quarter-final last week, emptying the tank, being good enough to win it, then all involved have to come down before eyeing up the next challenge that comes up this Saturday against Waterford champions Mount Sion.
Mark O’Connor made the most of a call-up to the starting 15 against Kildimo-Pallaskenry, his all important goal shortly before half time effectively put Dromtariffe in the driving seat. A case really of following his brother’s Darren pursuits who bagged a brace of goals in the County Final.
“I was thrilled to be involved and get on the scoreboard. Our defence pushed forward in the opening half and we gained a run of scores. It wasn’t vintage football, no disrespect to Killdimo-Pallaskenry, they had a strong team out on duty and like ourselves, they wanted to advance in the campaign,” he said.
“Reflecting on that game, maybe a few of the players were tired, there is room for improvement . There is a good panel involved , time and again, we’ve re-jigged the side, that’s an important option. So far so good in the campaign to date,” he said.
It’s been a rewarding few weeks for Dromtariffe, a historic first time divisional JAHC followed by a welcome County JAFC title completed has helped to create an exciting buzz.
“Having waited almost 60 years since we last reached a county Final, there were celebrations and the club’s big fundraiser, Strictly Come Dancing, caught the attention. However, we had to put our heads back to a normal routine, grinding down and setting a target of playing three games in Munster,” said O’Connor.
Having successfully negotiated the opening hurdle against Kildimo-Pallaskenry, next up are Mount Sion where Dromtariffe will start favourites to advance.
“We can’t enter a game any way lackadaisical, whatever about the opposition. We want to win, that can only be done by chalking up decent scores,” he said.
It’s been a long season, a somewhat roller coaster journey for Dromtariffe, pipped by the narrowest of margins in the Duhallow Final but now, within 60 minutes of a Munster Final.
“It’s an amazing feeling to really believe that we’re just one game away from another Final, just a few weeks ago, we were heading to Pairc Uí Rinn, hoping to win that county title. The targets are raising but reaching a Munster Final would be special, only achievable by overcoming Mount Sion.
“Dromtariffe is a proud club, to win the semi-final would be huge for the community and parish. With the excitement of the game and the big fund-raiser over the past few weeks, its now all about getting back to business on the field and hopefully maintaining the winning run,” he said.