AIL can be alright on the night, says Ford
Ford has coached in every division and makes his debut in Division 1A today when his Dolphin outfit face old rivals Cork Constitution at Musgrave Park (2.30pm).
This one is sure to bring out the fans, but Ford believes it is time to consider Friday night slots which have proved so popular at different levels of the game over the past few years.
Given there are five Munster clubs in the re-vamped Division 1A, Ford believes there is room for negotiation with the clubs as to how best attract better attendances.
He has promised that this season’s 1A campaign especially should prove eventful as two clubs of the eight will be demoted at the end of the season.
“Because we’re all playing home and away, it is bound to be a very competitive league. I honestly believe the fans are out there waiting to come to matches they believe will be exciting and games that are timed to suit. It will just take a bit of marketing.”
For now, Ford is busy putting the final touches to preparations for the campaign itself and he is conscious that a first-up game against Cork Con is just about the toughest one imaginable on the opening day of the AIL season.
Still, he is very happy with Dolphin’s start to the season, a start that has yielded victories over Garryowen and Young Munster, and he enthused about the possible impact of many of his young signings.
On top of that he can call on Munster’s James Coughlan, Danny Barnes, Dave Ryan and Julian Brugnaut for this tie, though the exact make-up of the side will not be confirmed until today.
His Constitution counterpart Brian Walsh might look back to victories over Dolphin in the All-Ireland League and Cup in the space of a fortnight towards the end of last season, but he hasn’t a notion of doing so.
“We have some changes in personnel and I know Dolphin have a considerable amount. Their back-line doesn’t bear much relation to last season.
“It’s a bit like going into the unknown, and we have made some changes as well; we have introduced some younger players to the squad, guys we will be looking to over the next number of seasons. It will be very interesting and it will give us (both) some idea of what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.”
It is not the only local derby of course; apart from last night’s Limerick clash between Shannon and Garryowen, St Mary’s play host to Clontarf at Templeville Road today, with the bookmakers tipping an away victory.
In Division 1B, University College Cork start their campaign away to Old Belvedere and Young Munster host Buccaneers.
Bruff visit Highfield in Division Two, while Thomond will have to be at their best to hold Greystones.
Apart from Nenagh, Munster’s Division Three clubs are away this weekend. Sunday’s Well travel to play Rainey Old Boys and Midleton take on Naas.
CORK CONSTITUTION: S Deasy; R Lane, T Gleeson, E Ryan, C Healy; D Lyons, D Williams; F Gately, R Quinn, S Archer; M O’Connell, B Hayes/I Nagle; F Cogan, E Leamy, P O’Mahony/B Holland.
DOLPHIN: TBC
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
