*Killian McDermott goes to ground as Paddy Vaughan closes in. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
Crusheen manager, Kevin Sheehan has expressed his hope that he will remain in charge of the Blood and Bandages next season.
By Derek Dormer
Manager of the Clare SHC winning Ballyea side in 2018, Sheehan took charge of the Crusheen senior hurlers this year.
After coming bottom in a group alongside Ballyea, Cratloe and Broadford, Crusheen ended up in the relegation series where they defeated O’Callaghans Mills and Clarecastle but lost out to Clooney/Quin.
Although Crusheen finished level on points with both the Mills and Clooney/Quin, scoring difference proved to be their downfall as both they and Clarecastle were relegated to the intermediate grade.
Speaking following their win over Clarecastle, Sheehan commented, “We showed great character there today great heart especially when Clarecastle went two up, we came back strong and our subs made a huge difference. We will just have to see what avenues we can go down now.
“It was a great battle high scoring with few frees and tremendous discipline in the tackle by both teams. There was some super young fellas on display from both sides. We’ve given a fair account of ourselves overturning the Mills, winning today, we just didn’t catch fire against Clooney,” he added.
He is hopeful of continuing with Crusheen in 2022. “I’ve enjoyed my time with Crusheen and I’ll gladly be back if they have me. The next six months we’ve work to do with strength and conditioning for the younger lads and yoga or pilates for the older fellas. Wherever we will be next year we have to hit the ground running. They’re a super bunch, they’ve done themselves and Crusheen proud winning two games out of three in a hard fought relegation series, you can’t ask more than that”.
