Derby keeps Demons on toes
Although Killester won the league last season, O’Sullivan says Neptune still represent the historical attraction and are the perfect opponents to whet fans’ appetites for the coming season.
“Killester is a very tough draw,” O’Sullivan said. “We were two of the best teams last year, we took home the cup and Champions’ trophy and Killester took home the league so there’s nothing between us. We’re looking forward to it, even though it is a day in the future. We need to focus on the weekend first.
“Historically, Neptune is the big rivalry. There’s an intensity in it. There were some great games last year.
“It’s a great opportunity for the fans to get a good game to start off with. It’s also a great opportunity for the players to play in front of a full house down in Neptune Stadium.”
O’Sullivan has also embraced the idea of an intense start to the season after being worked hard in training for the last few months.
“It’s a great way to start off the league after a tough pre-season. We got back at the start of July and we’ve trained hard ever since. We’ve played a lot of pre-season games so we feel like we’re well-prepared. We’re really looking forward to getting into the rhythm of Monday, Wednesday, Friday training and a game at the weekend.
“One or two losses can lose you the league so the important thing is to get off to a good start and Neptune will feel the same after their season last year.”
Neptune’s Ian McLoughlin is also looking forward to getting a measure of where his side stand after finishing third in the league last season.
“We know it’s one of the biggest games of the year, for our fans more than the players. We’re well used to it at this stage. It’s good to get that one game out of the way and it’s a great barometer to see how far you’ve come from pre-season training. It’ll also give us a good idea about our standing in the league.
“We played each other in pre-season but you can’t read into that. Those games are just about getting a sweat up and getting match fit. You don’t really show your hand. Ciarán didn’t play in that game because he had work commitments so that tells its own story.”
Meanwhile, Team Montenotte Hotel’s Olivia Dupuy will have to juggle long- and short-term goals this season as she prepares for a defence of a league title and her Leaving Cert exams next year.
Dupuy has sent out mix tapes as she looks to secure a place with an American college next year but has an eye on an academic career if that doesn’t materialise.
She also says the understanding of her coach Mark Scannell is an important factor in balancing a gruelling training regime combined with playing for three club sides.
“I’m playing U18 and U20 as well so I’m trying to balance it all. Mark appreciates the commitment and he doesn’t mind as long as there is good communication with him.
“I’m looking to go to America next year. I’m hoping a college will pick me up but, if not, I want to study sports psychology. Going to America would be my first choice.”
In the shorter term, her focus is on this weekend and another Cork derby against Singleton SuperValu Brunell, who they were also drawn against in the quarter-finals of the women’s National Cup.
“There’s a bit of pressure because we won the double last year but we won’t be getting overconfident.
“We’ve been training twice a week and it’s been tough but we’re finally starting to gel as a team. There will be a good atmosphere against Brunell on Sunday and it’ll get us in the mood for the season, especially if we get a win in a Cork derby. They’re a good team. They’re young and athletic so it’s not going to be an easy game. They’ll be raring to go.”
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