Eoin Downey learned valuable lessons in the Glen

By Cian O’Connell

Eoin Downey smiles at the mention of Glen Rovers. The tradition matters deeply. There is just something about Glen Rovers. “I think everyone seems to say that - we feel it, too, ourselves,” Downey responds.

“I don't know are we a bit different? I don't know. I would think there is something about it, I couldn't put my figure on it, either.

“There is just a big want to win. There is a big mentality around winning, and a big mentality around being big characters and bringing tradition forward within the club.

“I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, but I feel there is a want to win and a winning mentality down there.”

An appreciation for hurling exists. Skill, substance, and style. Advice is provided, especially in the handball alleys.

Patrick Horgan recently departed from the inter-county stage, but his influence on the Downey brothers was significant. “I'd have played against him a few times, I'd have struggled to beat him, he's good,” Downey laughs.

“That is just a thing we play in the Glen. We've an indoor alley in the Glen, it is a fairly big one, too. It is just a wall ball game, where you've two bounces to pull on the ball. He is very good at it; he doesn't even have to move inside there. He just knows where the ball is going.

“It had a big impact on me, just playing with him, in general, and other lads in the Glen - Stephen McDonnell, other fellas like that. They'd a big influence and brought my spark and enjoyment of hurling to life.”

So, senior players are ready, willing, and able to ensure the next generation are assisted. “Definitely, I'd have been playing with the likes of Hoggie and Stephen McDonnell, and a few of the other Glen players in the alley, when I was 15 or 16,” Downey recalls.

“They'd just say come on, follow me in there. I'd try to do the same still sometimes when I'd be down below. I might be there with Rob, myself, Micheal (Mullins), and Hoggie.

“We'd be down there and if a young fella was down there, we'd let him join in. There is nobody left out. It can only better him.”

Between Cork and UCC commitments, January is extremely busy, but Downey relishes the schedule. “I wouldn't necessarily say it is a challenge, to be honest, I'm just happy to be playing as much competitive games as possible,” Downey remarks.

“I always really look forward to playing in the Fitzgibbon, it is a massive competition, not to say the Munster League isn't a massive competition, I just look forward to playing in big games. I wouldn't say it stresses me out; I'd be just looking forward to them.”

Downey knows new Cork manager Ben O’Connor well from working under him in the U20 ranks. O’Connor is affording opportunities to emerging players in the Co-op Superstores Munster Hurling League. “You've a lot more fellas, even outside of the Cork panel, who're fantastic players, and maybe should be given a chance,” Downey says.

“There is a lot of new fellas coming in who're getting a chance. That is their chance to put their hand up.”

Talented performers are eager to deliver in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup too. UCC lost out to MTU Cork, so a crucial encounter beckons for Downey and his colleagues against Garda next week.

The Fitzgibbon is a competition Downey enjoys thoroughly, “It is brilliant, you're getting to know players from other counties, and you learn a lot from them, not just myself or the Cork lads, the Tipp lads, Kilkenny lads, Waterford and so,” Downey says.

“They've different styles, different tips and tricks, skills, you learn a lot from them. It is brilliant.”