Derry senior hurling team manager Johnny McGarvey. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
A revealing encounter beckons in the Christy Ring Cup on Saturday afternoon between Kildare and Derry.
Maximum points have been gleaned in impressive fashion by the two counties so far in the competition, ensuring Derry manager Johnny McGarvey is relishing the upcoming clash at Hawkfield.
“We've started very well with two wins from two, but this was always going to be the big one,” McGarvey says.
“We are fairly content overall, we have a really good bunch of players, who have pretty much done everything we've asked them to do. They've really committed hard to it. We had a good run, getting to the final last year.”
Valuable lessons were learned during that adventure with Derry subsequently claiming the Allianz Hurling League Division 2B title last month. “We had a good league campaign just over us, and we've started well here,” McGarvey adds.
“We've went into every game this year as favourites, this is probably the first one we won't go in as favourites. It will be interesting to see exactly where we are in comparison to a team like Kildare, who have been playing at a higher level consistently.”
McGarvey is adamant about the value and significance of securing silverware in the league for Derry’s development. “It was absolutely vital for us to come out of that league,” he says.
“That was the first part of it. Once we were in a position to win it, of course we wanted to, but getting out of it is absolutely vital, if you want to push on.
Johnny McGarvey guided Derry to Allianz Hurling League Division 2B glory last month. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
“We need to be playing the Downs, the Kildares, and the Meaths to progress and push on. There is no other way about it. For us, the league was absolutely vital.”
The Derry boss acknowledges the importance of generating momentum. “I think so, nothing breeds confidence like winning matches and playing well,” McGarvey responds.
“In terms of playing in the league and then in the Christy Ring, it is very, very different. More than anything else, conditions play a massive part in how you can play.
“The momentum thing, coming out of 2B, winning our matches, that is brilliant. As we found out with Meath last year, they came out of 2B undefeated, we probably had a poor start to the season, and ended up getting nipped by them. Certainly, I would see momentum as a big thing.”
With games arriving thick and fast, McGarvey is enjoying the various challenges. “One hundred per cent, there is nothing like playing matches and preparing for matches,” McGarvey says.
“Probably this week is a tough week because it will be three weeks in a row, we aren't complaining, but boys are tired.
“The league final was just before that, so it is a tough schedule, but we're enjoying it. We love playing and can't wait to get at it again at the weekend.
“A lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes. The boys put in a massive effort away from the training pitch too, they are to be commended for that. Hopefully we won't be found wanting at the weekend.”
