BRING IT HOME LADS!
Peter’s have what it takes to triumph
THE GALLANT young footballers of St. Peter’s College (Wexford) enter the big time next Saturday when they take on St. Brendan’s of Killarney in the All-Ireland Senior football ‘A’ final. Wexford teams do not regularly reach this stage of such prestigious competitions, so this is an occasion to be savoured.
The famous school from Summerhill in Wexford town are attempting to emulate the achievements of their illustrious rivals Good Counsel College, who famously won this championship in 1999.
St. Peter’s are in a similar situation this season as Good Counsel were 18 years ago, as they are rated underdogs to the reigning champions St. Brendan’s, another famous footballing nursery.
On the day Counsel were playing eleven times champions St. Jarlath’s of Tuam who were big favourites and were expected to add to their amazing tally of titles. The New Ross team showed no respect for reputation and went on to record the greatest victory in the school’s football history and indeed in the recent history of Wexford football.
Next Saturday St. Peter’s should take a leaf out of their fellow county rivals’ book. This Wexford team is a superb outfit and they have the opportunity to write their own piece of history.
While they should respect the capabilities of their opponents, they should have complete confidence in their own ability.
Anybody that has seen them play this year would have to be impressed with their style of play and the never-say-die attitude.
The players are excellently coached by Brian Malone and Chris Murphy and have shown in different games that they can change tactics and playing styles to suit the conditions or the opposition.
I think it would be unfair to name any individual players because as a group they have some marvellously athletic and skilful players. Importantly, they have a strong squad which means massive competition for places.
The same team has not started the last three games as the managers picked players to suit the opposition.
As a result there is no complacency but there is an outstanding team spirit and work ethic, vital components in a winning squad.
Croke Park will be a memorable day for these players and hopefully they will embrace it and enjoy it but not let it faze them. I
t is one of the greatest stadiums in the world and the playing surface is second to none, but in reality it’s a pitch and good players can play well anywhere.
I know for a fact the excellent college supporters will enjoy their day in Croke Park.
I’ve said it before that these guys enhance the atmosphere on match days and really inspire the team to perform.
The anticipation and excitement about next Saturday is not confined to the staff, players and students of St. Peter’s College. There are so many other people who will be proud onlookers hoping that the Hogan Cup will be brought back across the Slaney.
Proud parents and relations, former pupils, fellow club players and members, former coaches and every G.A.A. supporter in Wexford all hope that these young men achieve the victory their talent and dedication deserves.
Speaking as a clubman I can only express the pride we have in the players representing our club on the panel, and I know every club feels the same.
I have watched the majority of the squad play through the under-age grades and it is a pleasure to see them work hard to make the most of their potential.
It is something that will stand to them in the future, whether it is in life or in sport.
The exuberance and confidence of youth probably prevents these guys from appreciating the magnitude of what they can achieve.
However, I really think this group of players have what it takes to be All-Ireland champions, and prevent the cup going to Kerry for the fourth year in a row.