Cleary hoping to get Colmans back on track

HAVEN spoken to Flannan Cleary a couple of times now it wouldn’t be unfair to say that when discussing GAA he keeps his cards close to his chest.

On this occasion, however, it would be fair to ask what exactly could Flannan Cleary say after seeing his side beaten well by Our Ladys Templemore for over 60 minutes in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday afternoon in the Harty Cup Final.

Cleary had the honour of bringing St Colmans all the way to the Harty Cup Final this season but ultimately his charges fell short against a very impressive Our Ladys of Templemore.

“They were very ,strong” said Cleary on the full-time whistle.

“They came out and got at us right from the off. We are very disappointed with the result and with how we played. We just didn’t perform like we can but to be fair we came up against a very good team.

“They settled into the game much quicker and better than we did and they drove it on from start to finish – dominating us in the air. They really just blew us away today.

“In fairness to the lads they showed spirit and character and fought on but you know it really was tough going. The year isn’t over for us, we still have a quarter-final in two weeks’ time so we have to regroup and get back up for that game.”

While two weeks may not seem like a long time to get a side back to winning ways after a hefty defeat like last Saturday’s, Cleary believes that they can do what it takes to come back.

“We will talk to the lads and do what we can. It is bitterly disappointing but we have to move on from here. We really just have to get over this. There are more games to play and there is plenty more hurling in these lads and I think they will feel themselves that they can do much better.

“We are very proud of them to get this far and although things just didn’t happen for them today there is another day and who knows what will happen going into that game.”

Cleary has a lot to do to get St Colmans back on the winning road but with the great team spirit shown this season and the will to win that exists within the side there will surely be another kick in the north Cork school.