Hail the history-makers!
Bolger’s boys can’t wait for All-Ireland final in Croker
RATHGAROGUE-CUSHINSTOWN continue to defy the odds, creating history by becoming the first-ever Wexford club to qualify for an AIB All-Ireland football championship final.
Saturday afternoon was an historic occasion for the New Ross District men when they overcame Monaghan and Ulster champions, Blackhill Emeralds, in a dramatic Junior semi-final at St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, by the minimum margin (1-7 to 1-6).
In the process they have set up a final clash in Croke Park on Saturday week where they will play the Kerry and Munster champions, Na Gaeil.
The Tralee-based outfit also scraped home by the minimum margin in their semi-final (0-13 to 1-9) over Mayo’s Kilmaine, at Cusack Park, Ennis, also on Saturday, setting up a first-ever clash between the counties in an All-Ireland Club final. They needed extra-time to advance.
Manager James Bolger was still feeling the excitement of his side’s progress through to playing in Croke Park when contacted on Monday.
‘It’s every player’s dream to play in Croke Park, but to play with your club in an All-Ireland final is something special,’ he said.
‘It has been a great period for the parish and county. To win a county championship is one thing, but to push on and win Leinster is immense.
‘Now to play in an All-Ireland final is extra special. It’s really wonderful for young and old in the parish,’ he added.
Bolger described it as an eventful journey for the players and club.
‘Look, we had our anxious moments in the county championship, drawing with Adamstown, coming from behind to beat Kilmore, and it was from there that we pushed on,’ he recalled.
‘This is a good, young team, anxious to progress. We had no bother in getting them focused following the county final.
‘We beat Mooncoin, and then the games came thick and fast, leading to the Leinster title. That was massive - a Leinster title. To win a county title was fantastic, but to win Leinster - it’s huge.’
As for the All-Ireland final in Croke Park on Saturday week, Bolger is looking forward to the big day.
‘We are out to enjoy the occasion. The boys are capable of going to Croke Park and playing out of the skins.
‘They are strong in midfield but we also have quality there, while Eoin Porter (centre-back) and Daire Bolger (centre-forward) have also been leading the charge,’ he said.
Having celebrated their semi-final victory, the players, mentors, and supporters, young and old, took to Lacken Hill for a walk on Sunday.
‘This is a beautiful scenic area looking out over Wexford. The players, mentors and around 150 supporters joined the walk, and it helped everyone loosen up following the celebrations.
‘Now it’s back to business, with training Tuesday, Friday and Sunday,’ he added.