(JJ Hurley)
As Tracton head to Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday night to face Killavullen, we recently caught up with Kieran Kingston after the victory over Ballinora in the semi-final in Ballygarvan.
Kieran Kingston looks like defying that well-worn mantra that coaches should never return to a former successful role as Tracton are in touching distance of the promised land.
Certainly, Kingston and co in Minane Bridge will be taking nothing for granted and it’s a philosophy that has stood them well over the year and a point he emphasised after Sunday’s victory over Ballinora.
“There are no medals handed out to day, they were in a final two years ago, lost it and I as say there was nothing won today,” he said.
“Today is about getting us to the final, we are there and it all starts again.’
Regarded as firm favourites to claim the Co Op Super Store Junior A County Hurling Title at the start of the year, Kingston along with the team manager, Patrick Murphy, continue to scoff at such suggestions.
A tough campaign in the Carrigdhoun division had seen them overcome tough opposition in the form of Belgooly and Valley Rovers and as with the win over Ballinora, it was experience that got them over the line, as Kingston acknowledged.
“They came up with scores, Mickey and Ronan did a great job inside, held it up and obviously either are not as good as they used to be on the legs,” he said
“Joe Kingston, another old stager at 40-years of age, came in there for the second half and did a great job for us.”
“I am delighted for those fellas to be in a final.”
Facing Killavullen in the final, today’s test against Ballinora will no doubt be one that will stand the Carrigdhoun men as they face the Avondhu side in the coming weeks.
“Ballinora are a serious team, they have won four Mid-Cork’s in a row, they are physical, intermediate footballers, and we knew if we didn’t match them physically today, we weren’t going to be in a final today,” he said.
Most pleasing for Kingston about the performance against Ballinora on Sunday was the manner of the victory.
Playing into a strong wind in the first 30 minutes, the Tracton men only trailed by a margin of two at the break and could have even been ahead was very satisfying for Kingston and his selectors.
“Considering we played into the wind in the first half, and we were only two points down and could have had three goals in the first half was very positive," remarked Kingston.
Of course, having conceded only a few frees is becoming an important attribute, one that Kingston has been working on.
“The lads were very discipline in their tackling, and I thought the second half display was outstanding,” he remarked
“They left everything out there, missed a few scores, and it is easy to say it now but even if we had lost the game you wouldn’t have been disappointed because they had given every thing and that is all you can ask.’
So, know according to Kingston it's time to knuckle down and prepare for the final as he is set to remind his charges no trophies are handed out at semifinals.
The throw in for Saturday's game is down for 7pm.
Tom and Kieran Kingston, seen here after the recent Tracton V Ballinora game
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