O’Riordan challenges Boherbue to make inroads in county

BOHERBUE team manager Conor O’Riordan has challenged his four in a row of Duhallow JAFC winners to push on and create an impression in the county championship. That comes after a decisive victory over Cullen to clinch their outright seventh divisional title.

“Only divisional winners go through to the county stages in this season’s campaign, we look forward to the campaign. Previously, Boherbue have disappointed in the grade, not advancing where we would liked, now we have a new opportunity and we will prepare accordingly for the tests that lay ahead once the draws are confirmed,” he said.

O’Riordan had positive aspects to dwell on in the aftermath of the Duhallow Final win, notably the manner on which Boherbue squeezed their near neighbours into submission.

“Up to 2017, we had just three titles to our credit, that’s now enhanced on winning a four in a row. We’re delighted for Cullen had been a bogey team of ours, a defeat to them in 2008 really hurt us for a few years,” he said. “Compared to the previous season, we were down five or six players its a much different panel. For some, its a learning curve, they are enjoying it and we’re looking ahead to the next stage.”

The way Boherbue went about their business speaks volume of both an experienced and skilful side yet history was against Boherbue having been defeated by Cullen in their three previous meetings in finals. However once Andrew O’Connor broke through for a fine individual goal, that score laid the platform for victory.

“We were nervous coming into the game given the local rivalry, close early on but the goal gave us a bit of breathing space. Andrew made the goal out of nothing, allowed to travel and blast home, that was needed for the Cullen defence had kept some of our players pretty quite,” said the manager.

In the overall context, Cullen disappointed yet they were always going to mount a rally and back to back points early in the second half offered the prospect of a comeback. Still Boherbue survived a brief sticky situation, duly bouncing back to dominate the proceedings and add to their impressive tally on the scoreboard.

“We’ve five players on the Duhallow panel, they hold ample experience and the know how to react to dangerous situations. And the second water break afforded us the opportunity to reset and make the necessary adjustments that consolidated our position,” said O’Riordan.