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Irish Examiner
JERRY O’CONNOR remains a doubtful starter for champions Newtownshandrum in Sunday’s permanent TSB Cork senior hurling semi-final against Cloyne because of a recurring hamstring problem.
In London yesterday with brother Ben, along with the Meehan brothers Michael and Noel for the launch of the 2005 AIB club championships, Jerry admitted his chances were slim.
“I would not want to be playing if I am not right,” he said.
Currently completing his Garda training in Templemore, he pointed out he had been experiencing problems with his hamstring all year, except with the benefit of constant physiotherapy treatment he was able to “keep going” from game to game.
He aggravated it two weeks ago in Newtown’s quarter-final game with CIT and has been unable to train since. In the meantime, he has been receiving further treatment, both in Cork and Templemore.
In terms of his own hurling development and the major impact he had at midfield in Cork’s successful campaign, Jerry said he had benefited from the club championship campaign.
“I have been on the Cork panel for the last few years except that I was on and off the team. I suppose it had a lot to do with a lack of confidence, but playing against better players your confidence grows and that was the case with me after we came up against some good teams.
“When Cork won in ’99 I was in the Cusack Stand and I remember I got drowned wet the same day. It was great to watch on, but to be there up by the podium when the Liam McCarthy Cup was accepted (by brother Ben) was brilliant.”
In an interesting aside on the presentation, GAA President Sean Kelly said at yesterday’s launch that, because of the uniqueness of the captain having a twin brother on the winning team, he waited until Jerry came up before he handed over the trophy.
Equally, Jerry acknowledged that his move to midfield had been an enormous help in settling into the team.
“When you are out at half-forward you are waiting for the ball to come to you, whereas at centre-field you can run yourself into the game, even if you are not playing well.”
On Donal O’Grady’s decision to retire, he said that while he would be a major loss as manager, the players accepted that he fulfilled his duty.
“Donal put in a huge effort - a huge personal effort with the backroom team, and thanks to him we have an All-Ireland medal after two years. He has his mind made up and I don’t think he will be talked around. You must respect him for that.
“Naturally, we would like to see some continuity and it’s possible one of the outgoing management might take over. It’s a tough job and they may not be willing to take it on but whoever comes in we will row in behind him and give him the same commitment.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, he accepts that Newtown face a difficult challenge on two fronts.
“Cloyne have been knocking on the door for a few years and they were unlucky not to beat Blackrock in the semi-final last year. Newtown have gone as high as the club could go and while fellows have given the same commitment this year, training has been sluggish.
“But we are only two hours away from another county and hopefully we will be up for our game. Cloyne beat us the first year we came up senior, so we owe them one!”
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