Even after the drop Cork crown was in Glen sights

Eoin Downey recalled a meeting where the group set out their aims after they found themselves in Senior A following their relegation

Paul Connaughton of Midleton in action against Eoin Downey of Glen Rovers during the Cork County Senior Club Hurling Championship semi-final match between Midleton and Glen Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Claiming a Seán Óg Murphy Cup remained an objective for Glen Rovers even after relegation three years ago, says Eoin Downey.

Downey recalled a meeting where the group set out their aims after they found themselves in Senior A following their relegation play-off defeat to Kanturk.

“The turning point really was just very soon after that. We kind of had a meeting and looked at ourselves and kind of said, ‘What is the target?’ First target was to get out of Senior A, next target was to win the county again. We're a very ambitious club and obviously see ourselves in finals, winning finals.” 

As they begin preparations to face St Finbarr’s in Sunday week’s decider, Downey says expectations on he and the other inter-county players in the Glen to perform are only as big as the ones they place on themselves.

“There is a bit of pressure, but the only pressure would be coming from yourself, really,” says the 23-year-old. “You grew up with all these fellas, they're your friends. They don't expect anything of you other than putting on the jersey and just playing with your heart. That's kind of what the Glen is built on.” 

Downey gave his due to team-mate Micheál Mullins whose two second-half goals were crucial in seeing off Midleton on Sunday. “Micheál is brilliant. He has all the hurling in the world. He can play in any position for us whether it’s half-back, midfield, half-forward, whatever it is. You can throw him anywhere and he'll do a job for you.” 

To still be able to share the field with Patrick Horgan, who he grew up admiring, is not something Downey takes for granted. “There's a lot of us on the team that are only young fellas and would have looked up to Hoggie when he was playing and winning counties in 2015, 2016. I was only a young fella myself watching it. There were super days to watch and getting to play with him was just a privilege.” 

It was an at times abrasive game against Midleton but Downey didn’t expect anything less. Including their 2021 final defeat to the Magpies when Downey featured as a teenager, the Glen had bones to pick with them.

“There was probably a bit of built-up steam with ourselves and Midleton. Especially ourselves, because we've been beaten by them on a number of occasions in the last few years. I think it's the last four games they've beaten us. I'm just delighted to get over the line, it's a great win for us.”