DAMIEN CAHALANE FELT the heartbreak experienced by the Cork hurlers in 2013 but is delighted to be pitching in with their success for the Munster campaign in 2014.
Cahalane was part of Cork’s hurling plans in 2012 before decamping to the football squad last season. He watched on during last September’s epic two-game hurling saga in Croke Park and shared in the pain as Cork fell short in their efforts to claim the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
This season Cahalane has opted this year to juggle commitments to both Cork setups. After playing a starring role in the hurlers latest win on Sunday over Clare, it’s a decision that is paying off.
“These are the days you play for with a massive Cork following there. It would have been selfish to say I felt I should have been there last year. I didn’t feel I should have been there, I wasn’t part of the panel.
“But I had been part of the panel the year before. I felt the lads heartbreak after losing those finals. I was absolutely disgusted for them. Sunday is just a small step along the road of putting things right.”
Working hard at the coalface of the Cork defence and repelling the Clare rearguard were Cahalane’s primary duties on Sunday. But in the first-half he even managed to pitch in at the other end, blasting over a monster effort from the right wing in the 28th minute. It was his first hurling championship score for Cork and Cahalane savoured it.
“I don’t think I’ve ever found myself that far out the pitch before,” laughed the St Finbarr’s club man. “It was a great ball from Aidan (Walsh), I found myself in a bit of space but there were lads rushing towards me so I felt I’d better hit the shot quick. I got it off and it went over. I was just delighted to see it go over.”
With the hurling victory parked, Cahalane’s attention shifts to next weekend’s football assignment with Cork against Tipperary. But the prospect of a unique Munster hurling final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh against Limerick next month excites Cahalane. Three years ago he was part of a Cork U21 team that fell short against Limerick in a wondrous and epic provincial decider.
“It would be wrong to say that we weren’t thinking about it,” admits Cahalane. “It is a massive incentive. The last Munster final to ever be played down there.
“It was something to really set your eyes on and say that you wanted to win on Sunday to get to that. It’ll give the Cork fans a day out in the Páirc. I don’t think I’ve ever been at a Munster hurling final there so it’ll be interesting.
“Limerick have been coming strong with U21 teams with a long while. They’d a massive win over Tipperary and they’re looking in good form. They’re very intense and very aggressive so it’ll be a huge challenge.”
