McGarvey encouraged by Derry team spirit ahead of Meath test

Christy Ring Cup Round 3

Derry vs. Meath

Owenbeg

Saturday, 2pm

Derry Senior Hurling manager Johnny McGarvey is hoping that momentum remains with his side heading into this weekend’s clash with Meath at Owenbeg, with the pressure of a first win finally off his squad.

Last Sunday’s 4-27, 2-13 over Sligo brought a win that was overdue and badly needed for everyone in the Derry camp, especially after a league campaign that was completely devoid of good luck. Coming within score difference of retaining Division 2A status was a remarkable effort, especially considering McGarvey inherited a squad 14 players short of last year’s group.

And when Tyrone overcame a seven-point half time deficit in the opening game of the Christy Ring Cup, McGarvey could be forgiven for thinking he had walked under ladders or broken a few mirrors in the lead up to the season.

But that was all put to bed on Sunday past, thanks to a dominant performance against Sligo. Particularly in the second half, as Derry cruised to their first win of the manager’s reign.

“I’m over the moon, just to get that win now,” he said afterwards. “I’m here long enough and the pressure was starting to build. We’ve been working very, very hard but not getting the results, and the longer it takes, the harder it gets. The boys were brilliant (against Sligo), really, really good, from the very start.

“We were very, very disappointed (last week), especially with our first half shooting in Tyrone. The match last week went into the melting pot, and fair play, a draw’s a draw, but we left serious chances behind us. Whereas against Sligo, we put them to bed. We probably gave them their second goals towards the end of the first half that actually gives them a lifeline in the match, but we were totally dominant, from 10 minutes in and we were so happy with them.”

Also pleasing McGarvey was the range of scorers in his team, with nine players chipping in on the way to a large score against Sligo.

“I think last week we had 10 different scorers, and it was something we noticed was that teams score from everywhere, all over the pitch,” continued. “Last week we should have scored more heavily, but we are absolutely over the moon with every player on the panel. There’s 31 there in that panel now and everybody has their shoulder to the wheel.

“John Mullan had 1-7 from play last week, and he had 1-5 this time. Cormac O’Doherty, that’s as well as he’s played. All over the pitch the work rate; Darragh McGilligan’s work rate was unreal, as was Reece McSorley. Everyone of them you couldn’t question anyone.”

There was no chance of Derry repeating the same mistakes they made against Tyrone, and with Meath now coming to Owenbeg, McGarvey wants his players to keep learning from each passing game.

“We probably still left a few chances out there and as I said, we probably gifted Sligo a goal,” he explained. “We have things to tighten up on. The way results have gone, it’s going to be tight.

We talked at half time about making sure we won the match and not falling into the trap we fell into last week against Tyrone. Score difference is going to be a factor at the end of this group, that’s what we feel anyway.

No room for error

There is little room for error in these Christy Ring group games, and with home advantage again, McGarvey feels there is a huge opportunity for his players to really make their mark.

“We feel that we have been playing well,” he said. “We felt we should have won the Down match, we should have beaten Tyrone, and we were fed up with it. I have no issue in saying that. We were going well, and training hard, and not getting results makes it very, very difficult.

“Meath come here on Saturday and it’s a short turnaround. I think every single game in this group is going to be vital so we will recover, properly prepare through the week and we’ll be ready for Meath coming here on Saturday.

“Your heart breaks for how hard they work and they weren’t getting the results. Jeez, their effort in training, everything they are asked to do is top notch. They are great leaders there as well within the squad. Our standards are getting higher. We think we can do even better than that. We have a lot more to give and bring it on.”