Joint Ireland Shinty/Hurling manager Conor Phelan before the 2017 international against Scotland.
By Cian O’Connell
Being involved with the Irish Shinty/Hurling international set-up has brought ample pride and satisfaction for Conor Phelan, who is relishing another interesting challenge this weekend.
Phelan and William Maher are in charge of the Irish senior team once more for the trip to Inverness.
Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan was involved in the build-up, but suffered an injury in a club game for Danesfort so is now set to miss out, but the panel still features Noel Connors, Jason Forde, and David McInerney.
A good relationship has been forged between Phelan and Maher, who have been delighted with the response of the players.
“We were two years with the Under 21s and this is our second year with the seniors,” Phelan says. “So it is good and it is a great opportunity not only for us, but for the players to represent their clubs and counties in Ireland. That is the big part of it.
“The reaction has been very positive. Everyone loves to get an opportunity to play for Ireland and they don't get too many opportunities in relation to hurling.”
That is what Phelan believes is so important about Saturday’s contest against Scotland. “Trying to mix and match your top tier players with lads from tier two and tier three play makes a big difference,” Phelan adds.
Ireland Shinty/Hurling international joint manager Conor Phelan.
“We have guys coming from Sligo, Longford, Derry, Kilkenny, and Tipperary. I think we have about 12 or 13 different counties represented. I was talking to one of the lads from Carlow and he said he'd never have an opportunity to tog out to play with the likes of Noel Connors, Jason Forde or David McInerney.
“That was only in the training last weekend so it is great for those guys to have an opportunity to tog out to play with guys they never had an opportunity to play with before.
“It is a reward for them as well, we can only bring 18 or 19 over, but it is still great. Willie and I every year we try to mix and match with experienced players and the new guys as well to give them a taste of it and an opportunity to represent Ireland. It is one thing for the lower tier county lads to play against lads in colleges or whatever, but at inter-county level they might never have an opportunity to play against them.
“Then to tog out in the same dressing room to play with them is a huge bonus for them. They really enjoy that element.”
One thing that has struck Phelan watching the action unfold is the passion and respect that exists for the game in Scotland. “It is huge for them,” Phelan states. “It is like going into a big town and the whole town is buzzing around it. There is a big fanfare around it and they really take it seriously. We haven't won over there in the last three years in the senior usually due to the fact that they are very strong.
“The Under 21 team has won for the last three years, but senior wise they take it really serious, like we do, but they have the bit between their teeth and can be a very difficult team to break down.”
Tweaks need to be made by players to their approach and that is why recent training sessions have been beneficial for the Irish team according to Phelan. “I suppose it takes a while for our players to adjust to the different rules,” Phelan remarks. “Probably a big thing for us is no catching and in a ruck or whatever if you kick the ball with your foot it is a free.
William Maher and Conor Phelan are in charge of the Irish senior team for Saturday's game against Scotland in Inverness.
“They can hit the ball off the ground from 60 yards out over the bar and that is worth two points to them. So for us giving away frees is a big no, but it is easier said than done when you spend your life playing hurling catching and then kicking. It is a natural reaction.
“Going back to basics is what we try to do. If any rucks develop we try to get the ball out by using a bit of ground hurling, try to use the intelligence as well.”
The popular Phelan continues to make an impact as a widely respected coach with Kilkenny’s All Ireland Camogie Final defeat against Cork bringing some disappointment. “Yeah, the last two years being beaten by a point close to injury time is hard to take, but time is a great healer,” Phelan comments.
“The days and weeks afterwards weren't that easy, but it is a great opportunity to get there. The girls have been there for the past three years on All Ireland Final day so it is a good opportunity for them. Everybody wants to be so competitive and to win, but to be so close and yet so far means it takes a while to heal.”
The rising standard of Camogie, though, is a source of optimism. “Definitely, if you look at a number of teams there competing the likes of the Waterfords, Limericks, Clares, Dublins, Tipperary this year, these teams pushing hard,” Phelan acknowledges.
“There is very little between a lot of the teams and a lot of the League matches are very competitive. I suppose if you get on a bit of a run you can see where you can go, but the standard of Camogie is definitely improved.
“I think Camogie needs all the support it can get, but it is great to be involved with a group of girls that give the same commitment as all their male counterparts. It is great for them to be recognised and they need to get all the support they can.”
