| O’Dea looks on the bright side of life BY
DAVID THORPE
 London hurling manager
Mick O’Dea is in optimistic mood ahead of the exiles opening National
Hurling League clash with Kerry at the weekend.
He said: “Winning the Rackard Cup last year has given everyone associated
with the team a massive confidence boost. It showed the players the sort
of level they are capable of operating at. I am looking at our league
group this year and thinking that we have nothing to be afraid of.
“To be honest, there won’t be much between us all. I went
to watch Kerry playing a challenge game not so long ago. They had near
enough the same team which beat us by a goal last year in the league.
They also lost badly to UCC recently and maybe aren’t as strong
as in the past.
“I feel we have improved from last year and added some new faces,
so I can’t see any reason why we would not beat Kerry.”
O’Dea is particularly keen to highlight the talents of three new
players who have come on board this year, with former Antrim senior panellist
Sean Quinn one to watch, along with Mullinahone’s Eddie Carey and
Billy Dolan from Clare.
He said: “There was a feeling after the Rackard Cup that some new
players were needed to allow us to compete at the higher level we are
now at and the three boys are just what is required.
“They are young but all have experience at a good level back home
are technically good hurlers and enthusiastic. They are the very thing
the panel needed and all should feature in the coming weeks.
“We have a mix now of players who have shown what they are capable
of for London over a number of years, mixed in with the younger lads there
is an excellent balance in the squad.”
London hurling fans got a glimpse of what the season may hold with the
county’s recent outing in the Knockairport.com Cup, when the exiles
lost to a strong NUIG team.
O’Dea said: “It was great to have that run-out. It sort of
puts us right for the Kerry game, there will be changes from that line-up.
I hadn’t everyone available against NUIG — a few lads couldn’t
play and one or two showed up late, so there was an element of playing
whoever was there.
“I have been looking at one or two players for their clubs lately
as well and have taken that on board. We should have a full squad against
Kerry because we are blessed by not having a single injury at this stage.”
Mick says he will be treating the league seriously.
He said: “I certainly don’t want us to be relegated, with
respect to them, the teams in the division below us would be along way
off our standard.
“I think there won’t be much between ourselves, Kerry, Kildare
and Mayo. Possibly Kildare would be the strongest of that trio given that
they got to the semi-final of the Ring Cup and that will be a tricky game
away from Ruislip but we are going into the league as Rackard Cup winners
and have shown that we are capable of competing with every team at this
level.
“The aim for the league would be that the last game against Westmeath
be a winner-takes-all match for promotion. If that happens we will have
had an unbelievable league.” |
