*Fionn Hickey reacts to a breaking ball for O’Callaghans Mills. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
O’CALLAGHANS MILLS showed what they were about to claim their place in the Munster intermediate semi-final.
An eight point turnaround including an unanswered 1-5 on the trot saw the Mills down Kerry champions Abbeydorney to keep their season running.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Mills manager Seán Doyle admitted their first half showing was off their standards but praised the character displayed in the second half. “It was a great show of character but it was the first half that let us down a little. It was strange as we weren’t doing things we should be doing and perhaps there was a tricky breeze there as well. But we pulled them in at half-time and just had a few words, no roaring and shouting, just to get back our focus and start doing things better”.
Defensively he felt the Mills were strong over the hour. “I mean our backs were actually coping quite well but we missed 1-8 which was a lot compared to their [Abbeydorney’s] two wides but look we regrouped for the second half and thankfully showed more of what we’re about”.
Doyle continued, “We knew that Abbeydorney were going to be strong today but even when things weren’t really going our way in the first half, at least we were creating the chances and making the runs. And also I thought their goalie pulled off a serious save when it hit the post and at that stage you think that It’s not going to be your day”.
Big scores came at vital moments in the second half, he acknowledged. “The lads dug it out, Gary [Cooney] got three points on the left and another substitute Mark Pewter set up another point which helped put us five up and gave us a bit of comfort. “Look, they (Abbeydorney) were always going to hit back and they scored a well worked goal in injury-time but in the end, the lads just held on. We’re there now in a semi-final and that’s the most important thing. We’ve another two weeks training so we’ll take it from there”.
