CLANN na nGael have suffered two years of semi-final heartbreak, but new manager Mike O’Brien is determined to give them the edge needed to get over the line.

On both occasions in the latter stage of the county confined junior B football championship, the Carbery club lost out to Ballyphehane. This year, however, their conquerors will not compete at this grade.

The door is open for the Drimoleague and Drinagh outfit to push for glory, beginning with their opening group game against Garnish this Friday in Kealkill (7pm).

‘This is a good group. They’re eager to learn and to achieve things,’ O’Brien told The Southern Star.

‘They’re a young side, but they’re raring to go and starved for success. Even looking from the outside when I first came in, I thought this club should be operating at a higher level.

‘From a football point of view, they were a strong junior A side a few years ago. Whatever happened, it seemed to slip and they’ve been down here for a while.

‘We are under no illusions about the task ahead. It’s not going to be easy to turn potential into silverware.’

Clann na nGael's Daniel McCarthy in action against Ballyphehane's Aaron West in last year's county semi-final. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

A major boost for the Scorchers is the return of their Drinagh Rangers contingent following their West Cork League exploits. Key figures include JJ Collins, Jack Payne-Murphy, Robbie McQueen and Paddy McCarthy.

‘I can’t wait to get them back because they will be a big part of this group. It strengthens the panel straight away. Some of them would be automatic starters. You need those lads back, pushing the shoulder to the wheel. It gives everyone a lift,’ O’Brien explained.

Even without those additions, squad numbers have remained strong – another positive sign.

‘The players are improving all the time. They’re learning. What I like most is their commitment – it’s excellent. We have big numbers at training most nights, 25 or 26 at least, and that’s without the soccer lads. They are hungry for success and willing to learn. They are training hard and making the effort. We’ll see where that takes us,’ the Clann na nGael boss said.

‘That’s the sign of a club that wants to succeed. These lads have had setbacks in recent years. They’ve been close, but close is no good on the day. They have to push on and win something. That first win can be the springboard for bigger things.’

As well as Garnish, the Scorchers face Muintir Bháire and Castlelyons in Group 1. Having pushed eventual 2025 champions Ballyphehane closer than any other side last season – losing 0-12 to 1-6 in the semi-final – O’Brien’s team will believe they can progress.

Still, the focus remains firmly on the next challenge.

‘Garnish will be tough. They’re seasoned campaigners. Any Beara team is always difficult to beat. They’ll be well organised and ready to battle. We know what we’re up against this weekend.

‘You can’t look too far ahead or you lose focus. We’ll keep our feet on the ground and concentrate on the next game. You need a bit of luck as well – things have to go your way and players have to perform on the day,’ O’Brien added.

For the manager himself, it’s a fresh challenge. After successful spells with Gabriel Rangers and Tadhg MacCarthaigh, as well as time with Castlehaven, O’Brien knows what it takes to build a winning team.

He guided Gabriel Rangers to a county Intermediate A quarter-final last year and also led them to the county junior A title in 2016.

‘It’s a new experience for me because I haven’t been at this grade for a long time, but it’s something different. Clann na nGael approached me and I couldn’t say no. I’m working in the area, so it suits. I’m looking forward to it,’ he said.