Nemo Rangers manager Paul O’Donovan says he was convinced his side would earn victory in last Sunday’s Cork SFC final if they put in a performance.

The city club triumphed to their 23rd senior championship crown in 50 years thanks to a 1-16 to 2-9 victory over holders St Finbarr’s at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Speaking to EchoLive.ie after the final, O’Donovan said talk of the Barrs as favourites for the game beforehand was a motivating factor for his players.

“It certainly motivated us because the talk all week was that they were favourites in everyone’s eyes,” he stated.

“There’s no question they have improved from last year, but I knew there was a performance in us. I was very confident that if we showed up and put in a performance that we would win. I was convinced of it.” 

He added: “I thought we got the match-ups spot on. My own fellow Kevin edged his battle with Steven Sherlock while Briain Murphy did as well as he could on Hayes and Kieran Histon did a great job on Myers-Murray. I also thought our bench was a little bit sharper than theirs. I was wondering what was going on, when Conor Denney, who is a very good back, coming on in the forwards for them.”

Next up for the Rebel County champions is a Munster club SFC quarter-final date with Tipperary winners Clonmel Commercials on Saturday week, November 12, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh (7.15pm). 

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