Lios Póil boss O’Sullivan always had faith in his players

YOU can understand there being a bit of hoarseness in someone’s voice after a dramatic affair like last Sunday in Annascaul, but Lispole manager Damien O’Sullivan never doubted his side’s ability to win despite such a poor start.

“We always knew a comeback was in them and that they would put the work in to do it. If Castle had gotten a few extra scores with the start they had maybe we would have been gone but we didn’t panic and that was the important thing overall,” he said after last Sunday’s narrow win.

When asked about the contribution of players like substitute Kieran O’Sullivan and goalkeeper Conor Hanafin, the Lispole manager praised the character in his side.

“That was Kieran’s first game for the club this year and he made a massive impact, Conor is a great leader and a big part of what we do with his kick-outs working well for us at the moment. We’re delighted to be in a final, but there’s for and against having the extra week with Beale’s win as Brian Rayle is certain to be in America at that stage.”

Eoin Kelliher the Castlegregory manager meanwhile said that last Sunday was another learning curve for a young side like they have at present.

“I’m very proud of the effort the players put in, but Lispole were very strong in the tackle when they needed to be and I think being a Division 3 side (County League) told for them in the end as they have that higher standard of football.

“Our priority for the rest of the year has to be to get out of Division Four so we can get to that higher level to allow us to improve more.”