Brian Ronayne: It took us time to match Fenor's intensity
“We were disappointed in our first half,” said Ronayne. “We were pure cat malogen.
“Fair play to Fenor, they tore into us, and we didn’t match their intensity. We tried to drill that into the lads beforehand, but we obviously just didn’t do that enough.
“In the second half, once Jack Griffin got the goal, we kicked on from that. We felt we were capable of doing that, but eight wides in the first half... but we were pleased overall.”
Ronayne paid tribute to his two sharpshooters, Griffin and midfielder Ryan Denny, who ended the day with 0-11.
“Jack had a quiet game in the first half, but we know he has the potential — he has the potential to be anything, to be honest — and he took it very well. It drove on the team and we were very pleased with the second-half display from everybody,” he said.
“Ryan was immense, for a fella who couldn’t make a Harty team in Midleton last year— we were up in arms over it but look, that’s up to the powers that be. He’s a quality lad, and he’s on the freshers panel in UCC, that’ll improve him further.”
Dungourney’s discipline was also exemplary. “To be fair our discipline has been good all year, and it’s something we’ve tried to drill into them all year,” said Ronayne.
“As the second half went on they (Fenor) were losing their concentration a bit, physically when you’re strong and fit your discipline is better, and that’s been true of our lads all season.”
Next up is Glenmore of Kilkenny.
“We’ve seen Glenmore, they’re very good. It’ll be a huge challenge, but these boys love a challenge and they won’t be found wanting,” said Ronayne.
