McAuliffe not getting carried away
DROMTARIFFE manager James McAulliffe wasn’t getting too carried away after the Cork champions booked a place in the Munster JAFC Final.
A winning margin of twelve points appeared comfortable in a semi-final, yet at times, Dromtariffe laboured against Mount Sion’s best efforts. Crucially, the victors absorbed the pressure and enjoyed the better of matters territorially during the closing 20 minutes.
The Duhallow side had targeted a good start, that occurred yet they must had been surprised by a gritty response from Mount Sion seeking a first time appearance by a Waterford team in a provincial JAFC showpiece.
“A good start, we handed over the initiative but once we spoke at half time, there was a much better performance during the second half.
“Huge credit to Mount Sion, they had won their championship just seven days previously after extra time and they came here full of confidence,” said McAulliffe.
Dromtariffe had incurred a blow prior to the game on an injury to inspiring captain and experienced Seamus O’Sullivan forced the withdrawal of their leader, the manager hopeful, the big midfielder can be available next time out.
“Its a case of wait and see, Seamus picked up an ankle injury in the County Final against Kilmacabea and aggravated it in the Kildimo-Pallaskenry game. He on physio treatment at the moment, we’re taking our time to assess him, helpfully he will be 100% ready,” he said.
Some positives for Dromtariffe, the injury to their captain allowed new faces sample championship fare and invaluable game time.
“It works both ways, we got the opportunity to play six subs, allowing guys training all year, the chance to play, some of the subs impressed, Eanna Mernagh played really well in the second half as did Killian O’Sullivan and Darren O’Connor,” said McAulliffe.
When required, skilful regulars Evan Murphy (04) and Daniel O’Keeffe (2-9) utilised possession to good advantage, their potency illustrated a difference the two teams.
“Both Evan and Daniel have been playing really well all season, the two players came up trumps here in terms of scoring, they really showed their quality, but credit must go too to the other players for creating the opportunities,” he said.
“Overall, we’re happy, the opening half showing won’t suffice in the final, the second spell offered plenty of positives on putting the head down and concentrating on winning this contest. Its all about learning, erasing the errors and maintaining an improvement.”
Indeed McAulliffe didn’t pull the punches on assessing the task facing Dromtariffe in the provincial showpiece against Beaufort.
“We’re facing into a serious challenge against a highly rated side, to get a good test in a semi final is sure to be of benefit that will steer us in the right direction in preparations for the big test on Sunday week. It’s all about looking at the opposition now and getting our plans correct,” he said.