Fahy back firing after setbacks as Rebels eye silverware

Ballincollig clubman Luke Fahy has missed large chunks of the pitch with injuries since 2023 after making his senior debut in 2022 but it hasn't quenched his desire in the Cork jersey.

An ankle injury, two torn hamstrings, one of them serious, resulted in Fahy spending most of his time on the Cork panel last year on the bench, but explained ahead of his side hoping to claim their first Munster title in 14 years that his positive mindset has been key to overcoming the challenges.

"I'd be a fairly positive guy. We've had injuries, and there's a good few of us around, we just put our hand around each other, and kind of push each other along... There was fellas rehabbing with me, which was probably a bit easier, a few of us," Fahy told RTÉ Sport at the launch of SuperValu's 'Real Nourishment' campaign.

He added: "The medical team, John, really supportive, and sports psychologist Kevin Clancy, super as well, and it's been a massive help. Thankfully, things are turned a corner."

Every time he came back though, it didn't feel like a fresh start and after a consistent league season, that saw the Rebels promoted to Division 1 for the first time in ten years which Fahy explained feels like a starting point.

"I wouldn't say a new start, because I've been around the lads for a lot of time. I'm getting a run of games and that's probably the difference.

"I feel that's probably the start where I'm at now, and probably ties into me being consistent, that I'm on the field... That I'm able to keep playing, and touch wood… I'm rattling that table!"

As the 26-year-old explained, he wasn't alone for his rehab journeys, Cork's football panel have been plagued with injuries in recent years but Fahy explained the panel is still strong.

"The squad is so strong, we have a plan in place, so we try to execute that to the best of our ability, so I think the 15 that go out always represent us unbelievably well. I think we've always tried doing our best, and when you put on the jersey, that's all you want to do, is do your best for Cork, and that's the kind of way I look at it."

All focus is now on Kerry and an attempt at claiming some silverware on Sunday but as Fahy detailed a well-earned break was taken after their semi-final clash against Tipperary.

"We believe in the process, being honest, and our management team has put plans in place, and as I said, we haven't come back training since Tipperary.

"We haven't talked about Kerry, but we'll analyse them, and we'll look at every other team and try to find holes, and they're doing the exact same to us."

Cork's All-Ireland win in 2010 was an inspiring moment for Fahy, who recalled having the best seat in the house in Croker to watch his Ballincollig club-mates make history.

"I was, I was up there next to the journalists, with my mother. Two club men playing, Johnny (Miskella) and Pat (Kelly).

"I actually made my debut in 2016, with the club in the county final, and they were both still playing, so I still chat away to them, and it was a really nice moment seeing it. I was only 12, and I remember the bunting coming off, and I was like, 'This is class.' So yeah, 2010 was class.

Watch Kerry v Cork in the Munster Football final (1.45pm) and Roscommon v Galway in the Connacht Football final (4.15pm) on Sunday from 1.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1

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