‘We see it as a game and that’s how we approach it’

Tinahely

A favourites tag has never kicked a point. Short odds at the bookies don’t score goals. Being tipped by the neutrals doesn’t help you get the best of your marker.

That’s why Mick Broderick isn’t giving all the prematch waffle any attention whatsoever.

Only one thing will decide whose arms are raised in victory on Saturday and it won’t be their reputations.

“Look, the past is no indication of what will happen on the day of the final. The favourites tag doesn’t bother me or carry any weight when people go out on the football pitch.

“We see it as another game and that’s the way we’ll approach it.”

Being the boss of a bunch of players like this is far from troubling. As the saying goes, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard – not something that Broderick has to fear about his troops. Broderick is not exactly dipping his toes in management for the first time but this crop of stars continue to take him by surprise.

“They’re an extremely committed bunch of girls that have come together - not just this year but in previous years too and they work extremely hard. They are in the final on their merit.

“Their attendance at training and their application is superb; every single one of them. They’re coming from Dublin, they’re coming from Carlow and they’re working late - it’s not easy to get to training in Tinahely at 6:30/7pm some evenings with traffic but they do. They put in a great effort and that’s one of the things I find most remarkable about them.

“As a manager, you can’t ask for anything more. They’re an extremely talented bunch and what they’ve achieved so far is certainly a result of their own application. I’ve trained lots of men’s teams and I certainly am taken aback by the commitment of this bunch of girls.”

If Tinahely reign supreme again on Saturday, it will be their fourth title in a row. Jim Gavin managed it with the Dubs and Broderick is now hoping to guide his girls over the line this weekend but there has been no talk of four-in-a-row in the Tinahely camp.

“We’ll focus on the match - one match at a time. It’s always the same.”

If St. Pat’s are granted their wish, Tinahely will not surpass their current three-in-a-row feat and Broderick is certainly not about to underestimate their Wicklow Town rivals.

“Pat’s are absolutely worthy opponents and they’ll be well prepared.

“They’ll be ready for the occasion and I wish them the best of luck.

“They’re a great bunch of girls too and they’ve a great management team and I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure it’ll be a cracking game.”