Cullinan: Extra week break worked for Inagh-Kilnamona

Inagh Kilnamona manager Eugene Cullinan during the AIB Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final match between Glen Rovers and Inagh-Kilnamona at Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Eugene Cullinan felt that Inagh-Kilnamona needed every minute of their three-week break to produce an outstanding Munster quarter-final performance against Glen Rovers.

The Clare champions’ manager reckoned that extra week made the difference against a Glen side who won the Cork title a fortnight ago.

“It was a great performance. We had three weeks to prepare and we needed them. We had an extended celebration,” said Cullinan.

“We needed to do that. It was our first county title. Once we got that off our chest, we could focus in on this game.

“We weren't treating it as bonus territory. I wouldn't think the Glen were either. They were up for the challenge. It just probably came that little bit too soon for them.

“In fairness to Glen Rovers, it was a very quick turnaround time. We realised we had that advantage and we drove it home. The start made all the difference.

“We just threw the kitchen sink at it. Coming down on a journey like this, we weren't too sure whether we would get that start or not, but we did.

“Once we got our noses in front, we kept them in front for the whole game.” 

Inagh-Kilnamona got off 10 of the first 11 shots, converting seven, and David Fitzgerald’s 26th-minute goal pushed them 10 ahead.

Cullinan referred to another Clare forward, the recently retired Shane O’Donnell, when summarising the opportunity that lies ahead of his side.

“Last year, we were watching Éire Óg and Shane O'Donnell commented about how you nearly spend your whole life looking in at these things and now you're in the middle of it, so we're going to enjoy it while we're there,” he said.

“It's magical and it's brilliant for our community. We have another game in two weeks' time and we'll be really looking forward to it.” 

Shane Woods of Inagh Kilnamona during the AIB Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final match between Glen Rovers and Inagh-Kilnamona at Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Wing-back Kevin Hehir and Clare U20 forward Fred Hegarty were withdrawn early, but Cullinan credited Inagh-Kilnamona’s bench depth.

“Fred's was an ankle. He rolled it there,” said Cullinan. “Kevin got a stud into the knee. Hopefully, they'll be OK in two weeks' time. We'll just have to assess them and see.

“Our bench came on then and made a great difference. Some of the boys out the field, Mark Callinan and Seán Rynne in midfield, really put in some shift.

“The six backs were solid as well and they've been solid all year.

“Jason (McCarthy) came in there and put in a fine bit of a shift. Gearóid (Barry), Niall Mullins, Josh Guyler, and Jack Mescall as well, delighted with them all.” Having defeated one traditional hurling superpower, Inagh-Kilnamona can look forward to taking on another at home to Thurles Sarsfields in the semi-final on Sunday, November 15th.

“We know they're a fine team,” said Cullinan. “They have a great underage structure there. They've been there or thereabouts for the last four or five years in the Tipp championship.

“Pádraic Maher is at the wheel, they have a good set-up, so they'll be well-drilled. It'll be tough.”