O’Sullivan encouraged after lasting the distance

Not since 2012 has Cork hurler Paudie O’Sullivan had a full year free of injury interruptions.

Having sustained a double-leg-break in the spring of 2013, his recovery was further complicated and it meant that it wasn’t until last summer that he was able to play for the Rebels again.

In cameos such as coming off the bench to score a goal against Limerick in the Munster final, O’Sullivan showed flashes of what Cork had missed and he is eager to make up for lost time.

On Saturday, he continued his journey towards full match sharpness as he scored five points in Cork’s 4-15 to 1-13 Waterford Crystal Cup win over Cork IT. It bodes well for the year ahead, the Cloyne man believes.

“This time last year I was having a lot of problems, with rehab and everything else,” he said.

“After a good solid two or three months of preparation, it was great to get in a full game without any major problems. I’d say it was probably my first full 70 minutes in a year or two.

“Especially this time of year, it’s great to come through a game without any pains or problems.”

Upon his return to action in 2014, O’Sullivan admits his impact was limited as he was not 100% fit but he feels hard work is reaping dividends now.

“Last summer, I was probably a good bit off full fitness, looking back at it,” he said.

“At the business end of the year, I didn’t feel fully right. Through ignorance and stuff on my own behalf, I probably put myself in that position.

“This time, I would say I am much sharper, much fitter, I’m after putting in a lot of good work with Dave [Matthews] and Deccie [O’Sulllivan] over the last few months.

“I have a long way to go yet to be fully up to the 70 minutes of inter-county but it’s a start.”

Not that he specifically told the management that he should be playing in the Waterford Crystal.

“Obviously, I’m a different case to everybody else, I badly need 70-minute games. A tough, physical challenge against a good CIT team like will certainly do me no harm.”

lBoth Waterford Crystal Cup semi-finals take place next Saturday, Cork playing Clare in Mallow at 1pm and Limerick taking on UCC in Kilmallock at 2pm.