Nemo Rangers injury boost as Barry O'Driscoll returns to training ahead of Cork Premier SFC Final

BACK: Barry O'Driscoll of Nemo Rangers in action against Adare's Eoin Ryan. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Ken Sutton

Nemo stalwart Barry O’Driscoll has shaken off an injury-troubled season just in time for Sunday’s Cork Premier SFC final.

The eight-time county championship winner missed Nemo’s quarter-final and semi-final victories because of a hamstring injury. He also missed an earlier group game because of a quad issue.

Manager Paul O’Donovan reported on Monday evening, though, that the long-serving O’Driscoll has overcome his recent injury problems and is back training ahead of Sunday’s decider against Castlehaven.

“Barry is fine. He was out for the Clon game and the Duhallow game, but is back now,” said O’Donovan.

O’Driscoll kicked three points from play during Nemo’s championship opener against Ballincollig at the end of July. Because of injuries, that remains his sole start of the campaign and only one of two games he’s been involved in.

O’Driscoll is chasing a remarkable ninth county medal, but still lags behind teammate Paul Kerrigan who is going for his 11th. While O’Driscoll returns to the Nemo fold, Ross Corkery and Kieran O’Sullivan are unavailable for Sunday because of injury.

O’Sullivan landed the insurance point at the end of last year’s county final win over the Barrs. As for Cork U20 Corkery, son of Cork and Nemo legend Colin, his bench impact will be missed against the Haven.

The teenager was excellent when introduced in the Round 2 win over Éire Óg and was subsequently promoted to the starting team for their final round group win over Carrigaline.

“Against Éire Óg, Ross, Luke Horgan, and Ronan Dalton were outstanding when they came on. Unfortunately, Ross [hamstring] is injured for Sunday,” said O’Donovan.