Nemo Rangers are one of the most successful clubs to ever grace the GAA club scene.
However 2015 marks the first time the seven-time All-Ireland champions have made it out of Cork in five seasons.
The barren spell came to an end last month with a county final replay win over Castlehaven in which James Masters featuring strongly.
Having missed the semi-final win over Legion, the former Cork forward is hoping to start this Sunday in the Munster senior club football final against Tipperary champions Clonmel Commercials.
Are you looking forward to another Munster club final?
We’re delighted, because after a great county championship I think we’ve been building steadily since. A week after beating Castlehaven we beat Stradbally from Waterford, and then a week after that we beat Legion from Kerry so it’s gone very smoothly.
Are Nemo fans hungry again after a bit of a barren spell following so much success?
Before this year we hadn’t won a county title since 2010 so that’s what made winning the Cork championship all the sweeter for everyone. Having lost to the same opposition (Castlehaven) in 2013 as well, it meant a lot to the lads to beat them this year.
We were underdogs as well, which for us, a a very successful club, is a bit unusual so it was nice.
Why is Munster club championship so much different to Cork club championship action?
I suppose really the difference is in county club championships you meet a team that may have one or two good players, and you’ll know about them. But in the provincial series it’s the best of the best and they will have a few county players. Clonmel have seven or eight Tipperary senior players and the intensity is that little bit higher I think as well.
If you are a marked man as well you might be double or triple-marked which is always tough.
What’s your own build up to a game like?
I’ve had a lot of injuries the last few months so trying to stay fit is a big thing for me. I don’t normally get caught up thinking about the game. I try as much to work the day before a game and it just makes your routine nice and normal. If you go changing what you eat and stuff things aren’t going to be right for you.
You’d be nervous but a bit excited too of course.
What do you expect from Clonmel Commercials?
They are obviously very physically strong but they have the football to match it too. I think we have football too and it’s just going to be a game where 15 players take on 15 opponents. I don’t think we’ll have any fear but there is a respect between both sides and the conditions hopefully will suit a good game of football.
I remember we played Dr Crokes in Mallow in 2010 and there was a gale force wind blowing into one goal and it really made it a game of two halves.
Who’s the loudest man in the dressing room?
Brian Twomey. He’s usually shouting about getting massages for no reason.
Who’s always late to training?
David Niblock. He’s always got an appointment or something.
Who’s the laziest?
That would probably be me. If I could I’d try and avoid training.
Who’s your toughest opponent?
I’d have to say one of the Castlehaven lads. Their three backs, and maybe David Limrick. One of those lads are all good footballers and are all fairly tenacious in the tackle.
Munster Club SFC Final – Nemo Rangers v Clonmel Commercials, Mallow, Sunday, 2pm
