Murphy delighted with how his players dug deep
THE Wicklow under 21s recorded a massive and thrilling victory over a fancied Kildare side in Pearse Park, Arklow on Saturday evening in the under 21 All Ireland B Hurling Semi-final to reach their second final in three years.
For the second weekend in a row Seamus Murphy’s charges battled back after a slow start to claim the win and the Wexford native says he was absolutely delighted with his side’s efforts for the full 60 minutes.
“I thought the attitude and endeavour from all the lads out there was unbelievable and we really had to dig deep to get the win.
“Like the Roscommon match we started slow and gave them a bit of a head start but to be fair to the lads they didn’t panic and kept plugging away.
“I think that experience last week, where we went seven points down in the first half, probably stood to us because we didn’t press the panic button and knew we just had to stick on in there.”
Kildare took an early five point lead in the first half but Murphy felt that it was a matter of Wicklow slowly clawing their way back into the match rather than a moment of brilliance or particular turning point that saw them through.
“There was no huge turning point like a goal or big save at a crucial time as such that swung the match.
“We hit over three great points from play when we went behind in the first half to stay in the match but after that I think it was a matter of just sticking with them and putting pressure on Kildare.
“We knew Kildare were a top side and had played in the A championship this year and put up good performances against the likes of Carlow so we couldn’t afford them easy scores or give away silly frees.
“I thought overall our discipline was fantastic and we didn’t give away any needless frees so they didn’t get any soft scores and had to work for everything.
“Our work rate in terms of getting in hooks, tackles and blocks whether it be with the hurl or the body was outstanding and every Wicklow man out on the field really put their body on the line for the cause.
“That probably won us the game as bar one or two chances at the start they didn’t really miss anything easy and had to work for every single score which they got.”
Murphy said that is was a team effort that won through but did single out a couple of lads who he thought particularly shone on the day.
“Our backs were brilliant. Seán Moloney and Oisín Furlong are two that really come to mind as the two of them really gave nothing easy to their forwards. Oisín was on one of their main men and kept him very quiet on the day so that’s a credit to the work he put in.
“The lads also showed huge character. Christy Moorehouse was carrying an injury but he battled through and had a great game while Enda Donoghue was another one I was really impressed with. He missed a few frees against Roscommon but put that behind him and got everything on the day and he was brilliant around the field as well.”
The prize for Wicklow is a trip to Thurles where they’ll face a formidable Kerry side who rolled over Meath in the other semi-final.
“We know it’s going to be a mighty challenge against Kerry but we certainly won’t be going to Thurles to make up the numbers and will give it a right crack.
“Meath are a very good side so the fact that Kerry beat them quite comfortably shows the calibre of team they are and they have a lot of lads who have won B All Irelands at minor level so they’ll have that big day experience as well. We’ll give it everything though and like today one thing we certainly won’t be lacking in is endeavour.
“The challenge over the next few weeks will be getting as many good sessions and matches in as we can, which can be a challenge with the club championship in full flow. If we can come through without injuries and get one or two lads back we’ll be nicely set.”
“It’s great for these young lads to get to play in Thurles in an All-Ireland final and it’s great for Wicklow hurling as well so hopefully as many supporters can make it down to cheer the lads on and help us get over the line.”