Premier JHC: Milford aiming to kick on following huge win over Meelin

It might have gone under the radar two weeks ago, but Milford’s win over a strong Meelin side was significant.

The North Cork side had lost all three group games in the Co-Op SuperStores Premier JHC last year as they only avoided a relegation play-off on scoring difference. It looked like another season of struggle was on the cards when Milford suffered a 1-23 to 1-13 loss to Russell Rovers first day out. But the magnitude of Milford's victory over Meelin a fortnight ago on a score line of 4-19 to 1-14 raised a lot of eyebrows, particularly in this grade.

It all means that the team in blue and white have a place in the quarter-finals of the championship in the palm of their hands. Win this evening against Douglas’ second team, who are without any points, in Mallow at 7.30pm and it will be enough granted Meelin don't beat Russell Rovers because if they do, it would force a three-way tie and therefore scoring difference would determine first and second spot. A draw would also be enough for Milford as long as Meelin lose.

Milford are led by a charismatic Devon-born Englishman in Adam Castle who has worked his way up the ladder, from strength and conditioning coach to being a selector to now being the boss.

“I have a sporting background whether that be in cricket or football in England,” he says.

Milford's Tadhg O'Flynn put the pressure on John Good of Tracton in 2022. Picture: Jim Coughlan

“I started coming to Ireland, Milford in particular, in 2004. I was watching hurling and we eventually settled in Milford in 2016. A couple of years later, I offered my services to the club first from a strength and conditioning point of view. Former Cork hurler Seanie O’Gorman was manager of the team at the time and he brought me on board. I have been involved with the group for a number of years, but it’s only since the start of 2022 that I have taken on more responsibility when I became manager.

“Ultimately, the structure of the team is the coach. I am the manager and Seán O’Carroll is a selector. We don’t have a big management team, but that suits us. My role is about organising the team and making sure the schedule is clear. We have a small panel so my job is making sure we work as a group and are committed to the cause.”

The victory over Meelin has reduced the anxiety levels around Milford especially after what happened in 2023.

“We were under a little bit of pressure from last year,” Castle says.

“We got to the quarter-finals of the championship in the three seasons before the last campaign, but we were in a tough group last year and lost the three group games by only a couple of points. It’s a difficult feeling to take into the winter. Eight months of hard work for three defeats. We were grateful we lost in the manner in which we did as it avoided a relegation play-off. Maintaining our grade is very important.

Barryroe and Milford players fight for the ball in 2022. Picture: Martin Walsh

“Beating Meelin was more important for the group of players rather than anything else. A lot of those lads were involved last year so it was a real boost for the group. When you look at it, we had lost five straight championship games before the Meelin match. It was starting to wane on the group a small bit, but they really stepped up the last day."

Castle freshened up his management team during the close season. Charleville’s Claude Gough departed as coach with another Charleville man in James Kennedy coming in.

“I must say Claude [Gough] did great work with the players over the last few years,” the Milford manager said.

“It was right that there was a change in that position. James Kennedy is in his first season as coach and he is approaching things slightly differently. He reviewed a lot of our games from last season. He knew what he was coming into and we have made a few minor tweaks and we are happy with where we are at.”

It would mean everything for Milford if they were to get over the line this evening against Douglas’ second string, which should be enough to book themselves a knockout place.

“When all 12 teams enter the championship, the basic requirement is to get out of the group. We have that more or less in our own hands going into this Douglas match, so we can’t ask for much more than that. It would be a big boost to the club if we were to do it considering last year's hard work was in vain losing the three group games.”

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