*Cratloe’s Conor McGrath. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
It’s nearing a decade now since Cratloe’s last taste of senior championship glory and while they should have added to their historic 2014 county hurling and football double, four county final de-feats (two in hurling and two in football) along with a host of agonising semi-final exits have only accentuated their determination to admirably keep bouncing back every year.
Granted, the main pack aren’t getting any younger but one things for certain, no-one will take Cratloe likely as they continue to fire on both dual fronts in the hope of finally getting a break.
The waters are a little more blurred this year however as familiar foes from their locality (Newmar-ket-on-Fergus, Clooney/Quin and Wolfe Tones) make up an intriguing first shot at the Canon for new manager John O’Gorman who had been part of the 2009 and 2014 successes.
“It’s some group alright. I mean Clooney/Quin and Wolfe Tones were in our division in the Clare Cup and both actually beat us while Newmarket had actually replaced us in the top flight this year and we got a serious test against them in last year’s quarter-final. So we’re all fairly familiar with each other but in such a group of neighbours you can only take it game by game so all our focus has been on the opening round against Newmarket on Friday evening.
“Newmarket have been up there in the knock-out stages for the last few years. We actually got off to a good start last year in the quarter-final but they reeled us back in the second half and they have that real physicality that you just have to both match and also try and move the ball as quick as you can in order to get it into the danger areas”.
In the end, Cratloe’s superior firepower saw them edge out their nearest and dearest neighbours before going out themselves in an underwhelming semi-final showdown with champions Ballyea whom they had beaten at the group stages.
Cratloe wouldn’t have expected to meet the Blues again so soon but their attacking armoury has been dented somewhat in the intervening period according to O’Gorman.
“From last year, Shane Gleeson is traveling this year and is a huge loss to us. Rian Considine is also away at the moment while one of our great stalwarts Oige Murphy is living in London so won’t be available to us this year either.
“But we have a few players coming through this year. Fellas like Riain McNamara and Cathal Lo-han are a great addition to our panel throughout the Clare Cup and I’m sure they will be blooded at some stage so overall we’re looking positive enough towards our squad for the championship”.
Still possessing the match-changing ability of attacking forces such as Conor McGrath, Podge Collins and captain Cathal McInerney, not to mention the versatility and engine of county senior Diarmuid Ryan, Cratloe are eager to finally get off the mark on Friday evening.
Initially guaranteed six successive weekends of senior hurling and football championship fare, building up a head of steam is arguably more important for dual clubs such as Cratloe than it is for sole entities as proven by previous feats of momentum-fuelled endurance.
They will be at their freshest for Friday’s opener against Newmarket though so will be looking to put their best foot forward from the outset according to the new manager.
“Winning your first game is vital because if you don’t, everything is under pressure straight away. Winning that first game settles you into the championship, especially for a club like ours that switches from hurling to football each week for championship, winning and carrying on that mo-mentum is an important factor. One code feeds off the others so it’s vital to get off on the right note and that’s what we are aiming to do this weekend”.
Cratloe
Management: John O’Gorman (Manager); Timmy Danagher, Barry Duggan, Dermot Quain, Thomas O’Connor (Coaches/Selectors); Oscar O’Dwyer (S&C); Physio: Ger Crotty (Physio); Aidan Browne (Team Doctor); David Foley (Stats)
Captain: Cathal McInerney
Key Player: Diarmuid Ryan
One to Watch: Riain McNamara
Fresh Blood: Michael Flanagan, Cathal Lohan, Riain McNamara
Departure Gate: Rian Considine, Martin Oige Murphy, Shane Gleeson (abroad)
Titles Won: 2
Last season’s run: Semi-Finalists
Schedule
Round 1 – v Newmarket-on-Fergus at Cusack Park Ennis, Friday 7pm
Round 2 – v Wolfe Tones (Weekend of August 11/12/13th)
Round 3 – v Clooney-Quin (Weekend of August 25/26/27th)
