Nemo should be ready for Duhallow after early wake-up call

NEMO RANGERS are in the penultimate stage of the Cork SFC for the umpteenth time and team manager Ephie Fitzgerald is delighted — given that he has had to find six replacements from last year’s winning team.

“When first introduced I was not an admirer of the back-door system, but it has certainly worked in our favour this year,” he said.

“Had the status quo prevailed we’d have gone out of the championship at the first round after losing to Ballincollig. To be fair we went into the game not too long after an All-Ireland Club semi-final defeat by St Gaul’s and coupled with several players on inter- county duty with Cork, our preparation was not ideal.

“It was a wake-up call for us and we eventually got our act together. Our form has improved greatly since then, but I’m expecting a huge effort from Duhallow.

“They are one of the few divisional teams who really put in the work.

“Over the years they have done very well against us and we’ll have to play flat out for the hour if we are to have any chance of succeeding.

“I can only go on what is happening in training and from what I’ve observed, the lads are looking forward to the game like no other. Once their commitment and attitude is right and the effort has been put in I can’t ask for any more.

“It will then come down to the day itself and who wants the victory most.

“We have been blowing hot and cold this year, but I don’t care how good or bad we play as long as we are in front at the final whistle.”

Nemo are the team every other club love to beat and that’s a tribute to their phenomenal success over the years, but if there is a team capable of dethroning the champions it’s Duhallow.

Their coach Ned English, in his first season in charge, says as much.

“The amount of work we have put in since February is similar to what a club side would do, and if ever a team deserves to be rewarded, it’s Duhallow.

“There is a tremendous love of football among the players of the division, and they want to be successful. Traditionally it’s one of the few divisions where wearing the jersey means something.

“This present group of players have put in a tremendous effort all season and it’s no accident that we are where we are right now.

“Being so close to the Kerry border is ideal for us to get quality challenge games but we have spread our wings a bit this year and played games as far away as Dublin, which helped to bond the players together.

“I’ve never worked with a more committed bunch of players. They are still on a learning curve, and every day they go out they take on board much more than I would expect them to.

“Duhallow’s record against Nemo is quite good, and we’d have won as many games against them as we’d have lost. But that’s in the past and it’s all about now, and if we get a good start we’ll be there or thereabouts at the finish,” he added.