London v Kildare, Christy Ring Cup, Saturday May 2, Ruislip, 2pm throw-in
A quiet sense of hope and expectation accompanies London into the Christy Ring Cup. Kildare have been making significant strides so Saturday’s encounter at Ruislip promises to be interesting.
Fergus McMahon’s charges have the ability to make an impact at this level; London recently went to Ireland for challenge matches against Antrim and Meath which was hugely beneficial according to Enda Cooney, one of the Exiles’ most prominent performers during the Allianz Hurling League.
“It was good and important for us to get a couple of challenge games in,” Cooney told The Irish Post. “Obviously it is a struggle for us to get challenge games in being in London so it was a vital weekend for us.
“The management were able to test a lot of guys out to see how they are doing and it was very worthwhile for us.”
Despite a demanding opening without the Kilburn Gaels contingent there were flickers of promise from London in the spring. “We definitely improved as the League went on,” is Cooney’s verdict. “We were boosted with the return of the Kilburn Gaels players when they were available again.
“Before that it was a tough start for us. The teams we were up against were a little bit sharper than us, but we kept going. When the Kilburn lads came back our squad was strengthened and looking at it now we were a little unlucky not to get a few more wins.
“We should have beaten Derry when we played them in Greenford, but after that match we improved generally. It was a tight League; there wasn’t a whole lot between the top and bottom teams in it so it was good to get competitive matches before the summer.”
Cooney admits it can be difficult for London to construct a team. “London is just a place where the influx and turnaround of players is massive. Every time we start back training we never have the same team.
“There is always a huge number of changes; that is just the way it is. This year we had a new management and a new panel, and we just want to enter the Christy Ring Cup now with all guns blazing.”
Kildare bring a dynamic and developing group to Ruislip, but it is a challenge London will embrace according to Cooney. “Kildare are the Christy Ring Cup Champions so we know that they are a good team, who are used to winning matches.
“Ruislip, though, isn’t an easy place for other teams to come so hopefully we can put in a good performance. That is what we are building towards.
“In the matches we played in Ireland everyone on the panel was given a chance. It was good because 27 or 28 lads were given an opportunity and competition for places is what you need if you’re going to be successful.”
A native of Carnmore in Galway Cooney is now an integral part of the St Gabriels' set-up, and hopes the Exiles can enjoy a productive campaign. "It is a bit strange because when you come to London you think you won’t be playing as much hurling. Then when I got here it was the complete opposite, but you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t enjoy it.
“You always think of home and about going back. Since I’ve been here the years have just flown by. The years really aren’t long going.
“You wouldn’t be committed to it if you didn’t like it and I’ve seen good and bad days during my time with the London panel. You always hope that there will be more good days ahead –it would be nice to get some success.”
