McCarthy’s motivational moment

By Stephen Barry

Just before Nenagh CBS returned to the pitch for the second half at Cusack Park, Darragh McCarthy offered the final slice of motivation.

The 2024 winning captain reached into his pocket and produced his Harty Cup medal to show the latest generation of North Tipp talents what they were fighting for.

By the full-time whistle, they had all earned their own medal. Others had gained their place in history as two-time Harty champions.

“The buzz still lives as part of the management team, but it's not as good as being a player,” smiled McCarthy amid the post-match celebrations.

The 2025 Young Hurler of the Year watched from a perch in the stand and was quick to make his tactical points to manager Donach O’Donnell before heading into the changing room.

“I ran down just to make a few changes is all,” said McCarthy, “but the boys, the way they dogged it out on the field is where it's won.

“There might be a few things you see on the line and you might switch them on the field, but 95% of it comes down to the boys on the field. They take great ownership in that and take great accountability themselves.

“The boys are real mature lads and they dug it out there in the end when they needed to win.”

McCarthy was Nenagh’s high-scoring talisman for their Harty breakthrough two years ago. That baton has been well and truly inherited by Eoghan Doughan.

“He speaks for himself with his performances,” said McCarthy.

“He's an inspirational captain. He did it for us in ‘24 as well. He was our main man, too. Once we moved him inside, it was a big factor for us because he was taking real leadership inside there.”

O’Donnell has previously explained that Darragh McCarthy was recruited to the backroom team to act as a conduit between the players and management.

“There wasn’t much of a role,” said McCarthy with a chuckle.

“It was just come in and be there and try to offer a few things if you can. If you see things, tell us and make the move yourself is the message he was getting across.

“That personal touch can be nice too as a player when you're getting it from a part of management.”

McCarthy was quick to identify the next medal that remains up for grabs as they head for the Croke Cup semi-finals.

“It's a massive opportunity now. It's another chance for history because Nenagh have never won a Harty and an All-Ireland in the same year. So, it's a great opportunity now to really drive on and make that bit of history again.”