Butler celebrates after stirring show
WHEN your side come under sustained pressure by a big, powerful and skilful opposition you need your own defensive pack to act as one however even more importantly than that, you need your true warriors to stand up and fight for their homes, their team mates, their friends and their club and last Sunday out in the sun-drenched side of the Gaelic Grounds one man really did stand above all else when the pressure came on.
Darren Butler played corner back for Charleville when the Feakle onslaught began and while he and his teammates struggled on occasion to tie down the Clare side’s impressive attack, when the time came to shine Butler was front and centre.
When assessing Charleville, it is hard not to go for the standard pairing of Darragh Fitzgibbon and Danny O’Flynn but on this day, above all other days the man at the back stole the show.
Butler was everywhere. He stuck his hand in where he shouldn’t, he covered and swept up at the back over and over again and was instrumental in many of the Charleville attacks playing out from the back with a sense of calmness that belied the situation he and his side were in.
On the day Butler was magnificent, particularly in the second half and despite helping his side to the biggest success in the club’s history he was as unassuming as if he had played no role at all in the success.
“It is fantastic, never in our wildest dreams back in January 26 did we think that this team would win a Munster Final in the Gaelic Grounds – it is just unbelievable. The lads were brilliant today. Every one of them battled hard to get this win and they all deserve it.”
Pushed on his own performance Butler was again deflecting away to the collective rather than to his own personal display.
“It really is all about the team in Charleville. I just work as hard as I can for the team and all the lads do the same. Luckily the balls just fell my way today and came out on top of my man a few times but overall it is all about the team.”
Butler was confidence personified all day so did he think at any stage that this wasn’t going to be his side’s day?
“We knew today would be a tough test, we knew when we were warming up that there was a tough wind and when it did get to a 10-point deficit it was clear it was going to be a big ask but no, we never kind of did give up hope. We got a few points on the restart and we all felt we were back into this game.”
While Butler was all about the team and the squad he did have some words for the backroom team that has guided them through to this provincial crown.
“All the management, selectors and all around the team are hugely positive.
“Even when we were in the dressing room at half time there was no giving out, no shouting, it was all just game plan, tactics and everything was under control throughout the day.”
Butler did single out one man for special praise and no surprise it was the All-Star Fitzgibbon.
“Darragh is just amazing. He is the most down to earth player that you could hope to play with. He really does put it all on the line for this team – he does love his club and fair play to him.”
Butler will again stand in the last line of defence for his beloved Charleville in the All Ireland series after Christmas but until then a well-earned break is on the cards for one of the true heroes in red and white.