LUCKY NUMBER 13 FITZ LIKE A GLOVE FOR GALWAY HERO
KIERAN FITZGERALD thinks his record 13th Galway SFC title win was one of the sweetest of them all despite being sent off for the first time in his lengthy career.
It took a replay for Corofin to get past Mountbellew/moylough and Fitzgerald picked up the first ever red card, but after seeing his side written off in some circles, the 37-year-old former Sam Maguire winner is excited by the future.
“That’s 13 now but this one was a lot sweeter than many of them. The way it had to be won we were asked a lot of questions, but we got there,” said Fitzgerald.
“We were probably written off a bit before that Annaghdown semifinal and then in the drawn final we didn’t perform at all. We were very grateful to get another opportunity but it wasn’t a great performance.
“But we are under no obligation to entertain either. I’ve never been sent off in my life before so that was a shame. I was a bit disappointed but that’s the way it happens sometimes.”
Both the draw and replay were dour affairs, and Fitzgerald admitted: “We did the best we could but it was a terrible game.
“I think a lot of teams just want to play football. I don’t think we see it again to be honest and if we do, football is in a bad spot.”
Roscommon champions Clann na ngael are next up as Corofin take the next step towards the defence of their Connacht and All-ireland club titles.
“Clann na ngael are a good footballing team and I saw their county final. They were very impressive against Brigid’s,” said Fitzgerald.