Greater squad depth gives Clon confidence ahead of Ballincollig test

Ballincollig's situation is perilous. Two defeats have left them needing a result to avoid the relegation play-off

Clonakilty mentor Eoin Ryan knows they approach Sunday’s Cork Premier SFC Round 3 clash with Ballincollig with their destiny in their own hands — a position he would have gladly accepted when the group was first drawn.

Clon sit on three points after their draw with Castlehaven, and a victory or a draw in Kilmurry will guarantee progression. Ballincollig, meanwhile, are fighting to avoid a relegation play-off.

Ryan says they knew Group 3 was the veritable “group of death”, and they knew their opener against Knocknagree would shape everything that followed.

“We were completely focused on that first game,” he said. “If you lose your first game now, it’s tough to afford another hiccup. So if you offered me three points after two games at the start of the year, I’d have taken your hand off.

"We are in a good position now in lots of ways. We feel we have more depth than this time last year, so we’re in a decent place.” 

Last season’s campaign was a mixed one for Clonakilty — competitive in patches, but ultimately undone by small margins as they failed to qualify out of their group. Ryan believes that experience has sharpened the squad.

“Last year was our first year back up in Division 1 and we made a right go for the league. We were beaten after extra time by the Barrs in the final. In the championship, our first game against the Barrs in Bandon, we could have won it. We lost by a point. Then we were undercooked for the Carrigaline game. That one game cost us everything.” 

This season, Clonakilty made a conscious decision to treat the league differently, prioritising depth over results.

“We weren’t too bothered about where we finished in the league. We just wanted fresh blood and to improve our panel. I think we did that successfully. A couple of fellas are really going well for us.” 

Injuries have been manageable, though Ryan confirmed that Liam O’Donovan’s comeback was halted by another setback. Dylan Harrington and Darragh Gough have also been carrying knocks, but both are hopeful for Sunday.

The opening round win over Knocknagree was a statement performance, and Ryan admits the pressure was real.

“If we lost that day, we had Castlehaven next and Ballincollig last,” he said. "There’s huge pressure in your first game, especially when you’re bottom seeds. Knocknagree’s pedigree stands for itself — they’re used to winning. They should have beaten Castlehaven in the league final. So we knew we wouldn’t have it easy.”

Clonakilty backed that up with a gritty draw against Castlehaven in atrocious weather, a result Ryan believes showed maturity.

“I felt we did enough to win it, but at the end we could have lost it,” he said.

“Even looking back, I felt we were the better team but didn’t finish the job. We went ahead once again in the second half and then gave away a poor goal. That cost us. But at least we didn’t lose it.

“Three points may be enough, three points may not be enough — but our destiny is in our own hands.” 

Ballincollig’s situation is stark. Two defeats have left them needing a result to avoid the relegation play-off, and Ryan expects them to arrive with full intent.

“We were in the exact same position last year going out playing against Carbery Rangers. We know what Ballincollig have — very good footballers all over the field.

"Most of their fellas have worn the Cork jersey at some stage. They’ll bring fight, and they’ll be well organised under Aidan Kelleher. But at the end of the day, you can only control what you do yourself.

"It’s all about performance. When we perform, we’re good enough for any of them."