Fans are full of pride for footballers - and their village
AHEAD of their All-Ireland final encounter at Croke Park, Knocknagree fans have been telling how proud their are of their football team:
Noreen McSweeney, Mayor of Knocknagree
“I want to congratulate the Knocknagree team and management on their success to date. They have done us all so proud and put Knocknagree on the map for all the right reasons.
The sacrifice, discipline and commitment of the team is unquestionable throughout the long season and they have success within their grasp if all goes well for them on the day.
“The team is made up of a 33 man squad and while everyone won’t get a game, the large squad and dedicated management team ensures that all players are fighting fit and kept on their toes.
“It is important to acknowledge that this success has not happened overnight and all the people who work behind the scenes in every club need to be acknowledged; for example those who make the sandwiches, wash the jerseys, the parents who bring the kids to training and matches, the trainers.
“This is a landmark year for Knocknagree and people will talk about this football season for years to come.
“Best of luck to everyone, Knocknagree Abú, we will be there with you on the day and say a few novenas on the way.”
Patrick Hickey, PRO, Knocknagree GAA
“To say I am proud of the team and their achievements is an understatement. They are a credit to their families and community. To a man, they are tremendous role models for all our young people.
The whole campaign has been an incredible journey. It’s hard to believe we’re actually going to Croke Park!”
DJ Golden, Principal, Knocknagree National School
“The result on Saturday vs St Colmcilles was the stuff of dreams. To imagine that a small rural club like Knocknagree will take to the field in a Junior All Ireland final in Croke Park on February 3 is unbelievable.
“The vast majority of the team are past pupils of Knocknagree NS and these sporting heroes are now the sporting idols and role models for our present pupils.
We, the school and community, are so proud, the pupils are consumed by the excitement of this immense achievement.
The journey to Croke Park will live long in the memories of the young children, even in the yard today poems and songs were being composed in honour of the mighty Knocknagree boys!”
Carmel O’Mahony, Knocknagree (teacher at Boherbue NS).
“The tiny, quiet, rural village of Knocknagree, set in the heart of Sliabh Luachra, is alive with excitement awaiting the All Ireland Junior Club Final in Croke Park. One cannot but notice an array of blue and white banners, posters and good wishes from all the local and neighbouring clubs in the village and surrounding areas. Supporters have travelled from near and far to all the games that has brought this magnificent team to fulfil their ultimate dream.
Boherbue NS would like to wish every success to the Knocknagree team and are looking forward to joining in the celebrations.
We are confident that the boys in blue and white will do themselves, their team, their families and their community very proud indeed!”
Fr Pat O’Donnell PP
“Many have expressed surprise that a little village like Knocknagree should reach such dizzy heights on the football field. I must say that it comes as no surprise to me, knowing as I do that fine group of players and management have been totally dedicated over the past five years.
It was a big decision for John Fintan Daly to leave Milltown/ Castlemaine, having led them to All Ireland success, but the call across the border was just too strong;’Nil aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin’.
He and his management team, and people like Sean Walsh, who was involved at an earlier stage, are deserving of great credit. But all the best ideas count for nothing if you don’t have the commitment of the players, and they have been total in that commitment.
It has been a wonderful journey, with a team playing a wonderful brand of football ... and this has made our journey all the more enjoyable.
Come All Ireland weekend there will be a chorus of ‘MOOS’ around the area, but the cows will have to be patient ... because it might take us longer to get home this time!”
Catherine Ring, Knocknagree Ladies Football Club
“Knocknagree Ladies Football Club would like to wish the very Best of Luck to everyone involved with Knocknagree GAA Juniors in the All Ireland Final next Saturday.
Congratulations on success so far.” all the fantastic