REARING TO GO AGAIN!

Wicklow hungry for Leinster Junior final replay

WICKLOW didn’t leave the midlands with their hands on the Leinster Junior trophy on Sunday but they did leave with their aspirations for the crown still intact as they battled back from a four-point half-time deficit to record a 2-7 each draw against the Faithful county.

The Wicklow women led by two points at one stage in the second half but manager and Laois native Brendan Phelan said he was relatively satisfied with the girls overall performance but admits there is plenty to work on before the two sides lock horns again.

“To be fair to both sides it was a great contest and with the way we came back and then the lead swapped from one team to the other I’m sure it was a very exciting match for the spectators,” he said.

“Obviously we would have loved to come away with the win but Offaly are a top side and myself and the girls are really excited to get another crack at them in a few weeks’ time.”

Speaking on the second half comeback, Phelan says that it was testament to the character of the girls but notes that at no stage was the panic button pressed by anyone.

“Although we were a few points down and Offaly are a quality side there was no sense of panic at half-time.

“We’re lucky to have some great leaders in the team and the girls really took the initiative themselves and pulled together collectively and had a real belief that we could still win.

“As a manager it’s brilliant to see that the girls have the capacity to motivate themselves and it’s been clear since we got together in February that I’ve taken over a really driven bunch.”

“We battled back really well in the second half and even got the lead with those two goals. I suppose if you were to pick negatives you’d say we only scored two points in the second half other than that and there’s no doubt our shooting let us down somewhat. We certainly have the capability as we showed against Louth (where Wicklow scored 1-18) but it’s something we will work on ahead of the replay and we are happy that we are creating these chances,” he added.

The replay, on June 11, with time and venue to be decided, will be another chance to grab some early silverware but is also a dress rehearsal for the championship as Offaly are one of three other teams (Dublin, Waterford and Westmeath) in Wicklow’s championship group. Phelan says he is not looking past the rematch with Offaly but admits that the replay should stand them in good stead leading into the championship. Full interview inside.