KNOCKNAGREE BOOK THEIR PLACE AT CROKER
We’re on our way: Breeda Dennehy was thrilled with Knocknagree’s performance in the All Ireland JAFC semi final in Mullingar.
GAA fever is gripping Knocknagree and Kanturk, with bunting and flags dotting both village and town ahead of key assignments in the All-Ireland Club Championships.
Knocknagree returned from a successful trip to Mullingar after overcoming Naomh Colmcille in the Junior Football semi -final to guarantee a place in Croke Park on Saturday week.
Meanwhile, some frustration in Kanturk saw their All Ireland Intermediate Hurling semi final against Armagh’s Middleton postponed early on Sunday morning owing to adverse weather and flooding at the Newbridge venue in Kildare.
That necessitated prompt texts, tweets and phonecalls to be made to supporters to halt an unnecessary journey, although a number had began the trek to Newbridge whilst a supporters bus was cancelled.
No such problems for Knocknagree, as huge numbers descended on Mullingar, with some supporters travelling the previous day to offset inclement weather.
“The team and management travelled on Friday as did a number of supporters. With snow forecast for the Mullingar area and actually laying on the ground a few miles outside the town, we were worried that the game might not go ahead”, said team selector Ed McSweeney.
“Fortunately, the game was played, the outcome positive, now its all about preparing for an All-Ireland final in Croke Park. It’s an incredible feeling for a small club to reach Croke Park; hopefully we can do Cork proud”, he said.
Sad news surfaced in Mullingar on Friday night with the unexpected passing of Kiskeam lady Marie Collins whose immediate family from Knocknagree are staunch supporters.
A minute’s silence was observed in her memory prior to the big game in Cusack Park.
Mullingar warmed to Knocknagree and Naomh Colmcille supporters and with the match venue just a stone throw away from the main thoroughfare, it made for a brilliant atmosphere in the hostelries and restaurants.
Some iconic names are associated with the town, and busts of Joe Dolan and legendary GAA commentator Michéal O’Hehir were sought out for souvenir photographs.
With temperatures at a chilling two degrees Celsius, the upbeat nature of fans brightened up the proceeding with a terrific scene of club colours and contrasting accents dotting the Cusack Park stand.
Ultimately, Knocknagree supporters had more reason to cheer, with two goals in the opening half laying the groundwork for victory.
The prize is a ticket to Croke Park, playing on an All-Ireland stage in search of the biggest prize in junior club football.
Knocknagree have kept their end of the bargain, fingers crossed, Kanturk can replicate matters in their re-scheduled hurling semi-final at Newbridge on Saturday with a 2pm throw in.
Ahead of Knocknagree’s big day, music, song and story is promised at a special “Up for the Match” in Knocknagree Community Centre this Sunday evening commencing at 6pm.