New Mount Leinster Rangers manager Paul O’Brien was given the perfect introduction to the Carlow Senior Hurling Championship on Saturday afternoon at Netwatch Cullen Park as his side cruised past Bagenalstown Gaels in the opening round.
The Crumlin man has taken over from Conor Phelan and will be hoping to replicate his predecessor’s success as they look to defend their county championship once more.
O’Brien was remaining coy when asked about the team’s prospects beyond their next encounter with Ballinkillen this weekend.
See also: Mount Leinster Rangers cruise past Bagenalstown Gaels in opening round of the Carlow SHC
However, the Dublin native did discuss a range of topics after the game, including the similarities between Crumlin and Mount Leinster Rangers and gave his take on his side’s routine victory.
He began: “Bagenalstown beat us in the Bolger Cup and they were very good that night.
“They were missing three or four lads today and that was really important. Our lads worked hard and that’s the foundation of the performance that won us the match today.
“Three lads made their senior debuts today. We need young lads to come in to make the panel competitive. We want to have a big panel that will stand us in good stead.”
O’Brien continued: “There’s four matches in five weeks. It’s fairly tough going.
“We got off to a good start and hopefully we’ll go well against Ballinkillen next week. If you lose your first game you’re under pressure. We need to win every match that is put in front of us.
“I see a lot of similarities between my own club Crumlin and Mount Leinster Rangers.
“There are a lot of really good people with both clubs. Crumlin are struggling a but at the moment but like Mount Leinster Rangers, we’re a proud club and we love the sport.”
