Jack O'Connor has no issue with five-week wait for Sars' biggest day
Picture: Semi O'connor All Sarsfields Shc Journey: Piaras Victory ó Over After Mídheach/sportsfile Their Incredible Jack Of Slaughtneil Ireland Final
Jack O’Connor has no issue with Sarsfields’ five-week break until their All-Ireland senior club hurling final against Na Fianna.
The gap between Sunday’s semi-final win over Slaughtneil and the January 19 date in Croke Park was described as “extremely strange” by his coach Diarmuid O’Sullivan.
However, O’Connor is looking forward to the extended build-up to the biggest day in the club’s history. If they come back to action as hungry as they were against Feakle four weeks after losing the county final to Imokilly, the time off will be put to good use.
“To be honest, it’s a good thing,” said the 26-year-old. “It’s a break, really, because we’ve been on the go now nearly 13 months so it’s a good break. We might get a few days’ off and go back at it then. It’s a different Christmas but an unbelievable Christmas to enjoy and something to look forward to in the new year as well.”
One Sarsfields man will be leaving O’Connor well enough alone until February. Pat Ryan was one of the happiest men in Newbridge last Sunday but he knows where his player’s priorities lie. “I hope I don’t see him now for another while,” laughed O’Connor.
Johnny Crowley and O’Sullivan will be master and commander for O’Connor for another five weeks at least along with Joe Barry, Darren Kenneally and Eoin Quigley. The forward’s gratitude for their efforts is clear.
“In fairness to Sully, Johnny, Joe, Quigley, Darren, what they have done for us over the last two years has been incredible. They have turned the whole thing on its head.
“When I started my club career with Sars, I had little to no success really and now look where we are, two county finals, a Munster final and an All-Ireland final. It’s just incredible. They have been outstanding.”
O’Connor was instrumental in Sarsfields transforming themselves after a difficult third quarter on Sunday. Foraging back to dispossess the likes of Brendan Rogers, he was as effective in defence as he was with his four points.
“Doubts might creep in at times. You’d be thinking, ‘Oh God, is this going to happen for us today’ but we dug deep and took our scores when we could and got the scores that mattered and got us the win.”
Since Sarsfields sacrificed their pitch to spare people’s homes in Storm Babet, O’Connor has noticed bonds in the Glanmire and Riverstown areas have tightened.
“After the flood, it made everyone come closer again. It’s such a close-knit community, not just the club, just everyone in general, people who are directly or indirectly involved. Everyone is behind us now as a club, players and management. It’s been an incredible journey.”