Carroll: Recovery is key from football to Munster hurling final

‘A rising tide lifts all boats’ definitely that applies to Charleville, and dual U-21 player Cathal Carroll had reason to be cheerful after captaining his side to U-21 football glory. With Pairc Uí Rinn becoming a frequent hunting ground, Carroll is no stranger to success, occupying a wing back berth in Charleville’s County Premier IHC replay triumph over Courcey Rovers.

“All involved were delighted to collect the football honours, we had been playing hurling for a number of months with a few football championship games thrown in. The majority of the football team are part of the hurling panel. At this stage of the season it’s great to be winning and collecting titles,” he said.

Clear-cut wins over Midleton and Duarigle Gaels confirmed Charleville’s desire for the bigger ball and with outside coach Pat Donnelly involved, there could be no denying the style as well as the substance to Charleville’s game.

“Probally the winning margins against both Midleton and Duarigle Gaels were a bit of a surprise but we go out everyday to try our hardest. We had a meeting on Friday night, talking over our plans and the tasks to focus on, fortunately, everything was spot on and we came away with the win,” said Carroll.

It’s fair to say that neither Charleville nor Duarigle Gaels came anywhere near their best form for much of the opening quarter before the Avondhu champions swept into the ascendency.

“After 19 minutes the scoreboard read 0-2 to 0-1. We play a bit defensively but when we break we come through in numbers. That was demonstrated on getting on top during the closing 10 minutes to the opening half, we put the foot down to clock up the scores,” he said.

No time to dwell too much on the U-21 final, the names may change but provincial silverware remain much sought during November as Charleville square up to Feakle in Sunday’s Munster IHC Final.

The names may change but provincial silverware remain much sought during November as Charleville square up to Feakle in Sunday’s Munster IHC Final. Last season county representatives from Cork and Clare were also involved where Kanturk overcame Kilmayley in a thriller.

“Sunday will be another big test, we’re flying fit and all involved are looking forward to the task. This week is about recovery from the football, a bit of training and sharpening up on our touch,” said Carroll.