CORK legend Diarmuid O’Sullivan is returning to aid the Down cause as they bid to build on an impressive 2022.
The Ardsmen set out to ensure Division 2A survival but ended up finishing top as they unexpectedly pushed for a spot among hurling’s elite, only to come undone in the League final against Westmeath.
Having also secured Joe McDonagh Cup status for a third year, Down are in a good place heading into 2023 – with the return of ‘The Rock’ a huge boost for Ronan Sheehan’s side.
A three-time All-Ireland winner with the Rebels, O’Sullivan was previously involved with the Ardsmen in 2019 before joining Kieran Kingston’s Cork backroom team.
However, with Kingston calling time during the summer, O’Sullivan joins a new-look Down backroom team that also includes Tipperary man Barry Mullane alongside stalwarts Mick Blair and Tony Austin, while former Dublin hurler Ryan O’Dwyer steps away after relocating to Galway in recent months.
“Barry is a really good young coach who we feel can offer us so something different, so we’re delighted to have him, and then Diarmuid coming back is a massive plus - the boys are absolutely delighted about that,” said Sheehan.
“He made a massive impact when he was with us before. In terms of his coaching ability, and his personality, he was crucial to the progress we made at the start of this journey. Even in the last couple of years when he has been involved with Cork, he has still been very close with myself and a number of the players.
“On match days, in particular, Diarmuid is a huge addition because he has a huge presence. His calmness, his confidence, that all gets knocked onto the players.
“Listen, I’ve been very lucky with the team and how they’ve responded to me over the last number of years, but when a man like Diarmuid O’Sullivan speaks, people listen. It’s as simple as that.
“This is a division of inches, so any small inch we can get by having the likes of Diarmuid or anybody else makes a big difference to us on the playing field.
“If we were losing Ryan and we weren’t getting Diarmuid and Barry, then we’d feel we weren’t as strong, but if anything we’re probably stronger going into 2023.”
There will be changes to the playing panel too.
Portaferry forward Eoghan Sands is expected to miss the entire League as he is in southeast Asia, while Bredagh midfielder Donal Hughes is in Australia for the year and won’t be available.
However, Ballycran veteran Conor Woods – who had suggested this year could be his last in county colours – may yet return to the fold.
A shoulder injury sidelined Ruairi McCrickard until September, but he has been instrumental in Liatroim’s run to Saturday’s Ulster IHC final clash with Middletown.
Ballygalget’s Tim Prenter has committed to the hurlers in 2023 having been involved with James McCartan’s football panel this year, while Ballycran forward Stuart Martin – who plays rugby for Queen’s University in the All-Ireland League – is also available for the Ardsmen.
Among the new faces to the panel is former Carlow hurler Ayrton Gleeson, who lives in Saul and hurls for Ballycran.
“We’re going to need some of the younger players to start stepping up this because we have a few boys unavailable, but they’re more than capable,” said Sheehan.
“The next eight or nine weeks are going to be very important in terms of our preparation. This year will be a big challenge, and our primary aim is - as always - staying in the division.
“While the performances last year were brilliant, you’re also very mindful that the vast majority of those games were two or three points each way. The margins are so fine, but we’re confident this is a level we can play at.”
