'The two of them were superb' - Robbie O’Dwyer hails young Nemo duo's impact

The city side booked their place in the final four on Sunday.

27th September 2026 Nemo Rangers' Bryan Hayes celebrates his goal against Castlehaven during the McCarthy Insurance Group PSFC quarter final at Clonakilty. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Sun, 27 Sep, 2026 - 16:26

Eoghan Cormican

Bryan Hayes is in his first year out of the U20 ranks. Ross Corkery is a year older again. Neither has had a clear run in their still infant black and green journeys.

Injuries have time and again besieged the pair. But with Corkery having put that chapter behind him and Hayes emerging from his latest chapter of setback, the youngsters showed all their poise and potential in Clonakilty.

Making only his second appearance of this championship and first since August 16, Hayes was responsible for 0-4 of their opening 0-6. He was responsible for their goal. He top-scored for Nemo with 1-4 from play.

That he maybe waned for influence in the second period is indicative of the lack of championship minutes he has banked.

Directly behind him in their scoring chart was Corkery. The last of his five was easily the most important, interrupting as it did an unanswered Haven 1-2 and stretching Nemo’s lead back out to three on 53 minutes.

“The two of them were superb,” remarked Nemo boss Robbie O’Dwyer.

“The two of them have been out at different stages in the past, but Ross, in fairness, has trained fully this year. He has a full pre-season behind him.

“Bryan was in with the Cork panel earlier in the year, he then went to Boston, came back, and got an injury. He is just unfortunate with injuries. But like, what a talent if we can get him fit and keep him on the field. And hopefully that will continue for the next few weeks.” Hayes wasn’t the sole returning Nemo face. Mark Cronin hadn’t been seen since their championship opener on July 25. Half-time sub Conor Horgan missed the final group outing. The sickbay is emptying at precisely the right time.

“We are getting them back at the right time, but there is no championship won yet. Everybody came through okay today, bar Ronan Dalton, who had a bit of a chest issue,” O'Dwyer continued.

“The semi-final last year, we probably had too much of a break going direct from the group stages. But this game will be great for us, and as I said, we’re getting bodies back, which is important. We’ve a two-week break now and I think that’ll be enough for us.” Having lost their last three championship clashes against Castlehaven and the Barrs - the 2023, ‘24, and ‘25 county finals - O’Dwyer was in tune to the importance of reversing that run of defeats to their fellow standard-bearers in Cork.

“The last couple of years have been disappointing for us. We lost to the Haven in my first year (2024) and then were building last year against the Barrs but were just unlucky on the day. I would hope this win will stand to the lads. We weren’t favourites coming in. Castlehaven were favourites, and justifiably so. But our fellas showed character and I am delighted.”