Quarter-finals were the minimum expectation for ambitious Division Two champions Castleconnor
Qualification to the quarter-final of this year’s Kennedy’s Intermediate Championship was the very minimum requirement for Castleconnor boss Shane McCann.
Deafeat to neighbours Enniscrone/Kilglass got their group stage campaign underway in poor fashion.
However, the red and white made up for past disappointment with a big win over St Patrick’s, Castleconnor narrowly progressing behind Enniscrone.
Ahead of their quarter-final against Bunninadden, McCann has called on his panel to show their worth and push on to the last four of this year’s tournament.
“Of course, we’re happy to have reached the quarter final stage for the second year in a row.
“But looking at the progression of this present group of Castleconnor players over the past two years, we would feel this is the minimum requirement for this panel of players and the management team. “Therefore, we are committed in our cause to try and push further this year.”
A key member of the Castleconnor force is coner back Ronan Keane.
The 27-year-old, who counts Kevin Langan as his most difficult opponent, says he wants to build on this year’s Division Two win and cap off the year with another medal for his mantel piece.
“Winning the Division Two final recently”, he recalls, “was a great day for the club, players and management after all the hard work that has been done in recent years.
“It showed me that I just want to continue to play as long as I can for the club, win some silverware and hopefully some day, get to play senior championship.”
Winning the Division Two final recently was a great day for the club, players and management after all the hard work that has been done in recent years.