O’Rourke proud in aftermath of loss
APART FROM not winning, Simonstown should have few regrets about their display as they came agonisingly close to becoming the first Meath team since Skryne in 2004 to qualify for the Leinster Club SFC decider.
Manager Colm O’Rourke summed up Simonstown feelings afterwards.
‘We put a lot of work into preparation, we thought we had prepared well for the game, the lads fought hard and we have no complaints. We gave it everything.
‘I thought we played a lot of good football in the opening half and then in the final 10 minutes of the half when we were still playing well we probably missed three or four points. But in fairness to Loman’s they turned around and did to us what we did to them in the first 10 minutes of the second half.’
O’Rourke opined that it took his side too long to get into the game in the second half.
‘They dominated us at the start of the second half and you expect our lads to weather the storm and come back, and they did, but it took them a little bit longer and at that stage a three-point lead on a mucky wet day and a wind advantage - it was difficult enough to get back into it.
‘When we got it back to a point I thought we would get it to extra time. We had a couple of chances, but Loman’s held possession well and also created openings. They had chances too - it wasn’t as if we were dominating the game. We had our chances, but we cannot complain.
‘It is a compliment to both sets of players. They gave great entertainment in very difficult conditions. It was a really hard-fought, sporting game and one people love to see at this time of the year.
‘We are disappointed, but it has been a great year for the club and we are very proud of the achievements of the players. Back 18 months ago when we were struggling to win club games, who would have thought that we would put back-to-back titles together.
‘It’s been a long year and it’s not over yet. We still have a league final against Wolfe Tones. Its not often you get into a league final - I think Simonstown have only won one in the history of the club, so we will be doing our best to win it.’