Neptune downplay chances ahead of Cork derby clash with UCC Demons

Neptune’s Kelvin O’Donoghue was less than subtle in the manner with which he has downplayed his side’s chances ahead of the clash with UCC Demons.

Thu, 02 Oct, 2025 - 06:42

Emmet Ryan

The mind games ahead of Friday’s Cork derby in the Domino’s men’s Super League are already well underway.

Neptune’s Kelvin O’Donoghue was less than subtle in the manner with which he has downplayed his side’s chances ahead of the clash with UCC Demons.

“We’re excited, we’re a new team coming into this. We don’t have that much in the way of expectations for the first game of the season, it’s going to be like a pre-season game. We’ll take every game as it comes, we’re not thinking too far ahead,” said O’Donoghue.

“Demons have largely the same team that they’ve had the last few years, especially their core. We’re just on that building block whereas Demons are probably where we need to get to.”

O’Donoghue was quick to praise Neptune’s rivals as his side looks to pull off an upset of the reigning champions at the Mardyke on Friday. Broadly speaking, O’Donoghue is confident about Neptune’s chances this season.

“It’s looking well. We've got a lot of new faces. It’s going to be an exciting season for us. We just need to make sure we’re all on the same page and bring the new guys on board. A few of us are experienced, this is my fifth year, so we’re introducing them to our system and process,” he said.

“The big thing for us is getting our culture back. Hopefully we can bring a few trophies home this year.”

Sharif Black of UCC Demons will get his first taste of the derby as well as his first chance at Super League basketball on Friday night.

“It feels good to be here. I know there’s a target on our back but the first couple of weeks with the team have been really good and I’m excited for the season,” he said.

Black previously played professionally in Portugal and Australia, it was through the latter that Demons spotted him and approached him to sign.

“The season here lines up perfectly with my Australian season. This gives me the opportunity to play year-round and this is a league I’ve wanted to play in for the last couple of years,” said Black.

Despite his broad experience, Black said that he knows he’ll be experiencing something unique in Friday’s derby.

“I’ve heard a lot about it, I know there’s a lot of bad blood as rivals. I’ve watched a few of the games so in a way I know what to expect but you don’t really know what to expect until you’re out there and feeling,” he said.

With Demons defending the Domino’s Super League title, Black is determined to help the club go back-to-back in this campaign.

“They’ve had a lot of success in the last few years. Historically they’ve always had but this season is all about everybody doing their part and exactly what they need to do as a team,” said Black.