DOHENYS will attempt to get back to winning ways in Division 2 of the county football league this weekend, but face a stern test away to leaders Uibh Laoire on Saturday evening (6pm).

The Dunmanway club head to Inchigeela looking to respond after suffering their first defeat of the season against Clyda Rovers last time out.

Niall Hurley’s side remain firmly in the promotion race, sitting on nine points alongside Carrigaline and Clyda, while Uibh Laoire lead the way on 12.

‘That was our first defeat all year in both challenge and league games,’ new boss Hurley said.

‘Winning the West Cork junior B title at the end of last year gave everyone a great boost. Against Clyda, we finished with eight of that team on the field, and that’s exactly what you want – blooding young fellas.

‘Our starting full-forward line had an average age of 19, so I’m delighted with that because it has been our aim from the start of the year.’

Hurley succeeded Declan O’Dwyer as Dohenys senior manager and assembled a new backroom team that includes David O’Donovan, Donal O’Sullivan, Darragh Farr and Eddie O’Sullivan.

O’Dwyer spent five years in charge, with Hurley part of his management setup, so the new manager was well aware of the demands involved.

‘Declan, in fairness to him, had a savage few years in charge,’ Hurley stated.

‘He gave everything he had. At the end of last year, he told the panel he was stepping down. I spoke to the players, spoke to my family and decided I’d take it on.

‘We brought David O’Donovan in as coach. David is a St Mary’s clubman with fierce experience, and he knows us all anyway because he went to school here in Dunmanway.

‘Donal O’Sullivan, Darragh Farr and a few others have come in too. It’s our first year together at this level and a big step up for all of us.

‘We’re happy though because we’ve blooded so many lads. We’re stable in Division 2 and could still make the league final yet, depending on results.’

Dohenys' football manager Niall Hurley. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

While Dohenys continue their push for promotion to Division 1, Hurley knows the county championship remains the club’s primary focus.

The Dunmanway side have built a strong record since the introduction of the senior A grade. After failing to progress from their group in 2020, Dohenys reached the county semi-finals in 2021 and quarter-finals in 2022 before losing the 2023 final to Newcestown.

Semi-finalists again in 2024, the Carbery club was disappointed not to emerge from last year’s group.

This year’s draw has paired Dohenys with Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, Kanturk and Aghabullogue.

‘That’s a very tough group,’ Hurley admitted.

‘Aghabullogue are coming up after winning the premier intermediate championship last year. They looked very fast and slick when I saw them earlier in the season.

‘We’ve plenty of experience against Kanturk over the last few years. They’re a huge, physical team.

‘As for Ballingeary, we’ve played them a lot over the last five years and they probably have the head-to-head edge on us at the moment.

‘It’s obviously going to be hard, and getting out of that group would be a brilliant achievement. But all we can do is take it one game at a time.’