Boss Feeney is thrilled by team performance
Eoghan Rua manager Shane Feeney.
HE KNEW what Eoghan Rua were capable of. But with months between their provincial semi-final win and this, the biggest game in the club’s history, plus a variety of injuries, Eoghan Rua boss Shane Feeney still wasn’t quite sure how things would pan out at Markievicz Park. The Easkey man was aware of Naomh Mhuire’s prowess but the pace, well-coached west Sligo side ended up scoring six goals against opponents from Galway’s Oranmore-Maree region.
“I knew if we played anything close to our standard that we’d be there or thereabouts,” said a beaming Feeney after the 10-point win in last Saturday’s Connacht LGFA Junior Club Championship final. “We played well in patches during the first-half but in the second-half they pulled away – especially during the third quarter.”
“The players grew into the game and they stuck at it – they got the reward for that effort.”
“Goals win games and we always try to go for goal when the opportunity arises. I’m delighted that the players took their chances.” Although there is no All-Ireland series, Feeney and Eoghan Rua took some solace from the fact that Connacht LGFA were in a position to complete last year’s competition. “I’ve always said that I’d prefer to play the game and lose it rather than not play it at all. Of course, it is great to win it.”
“We got to see them [Naomh Mhuire] in one game but it was still hard to judge. But they were a good side, they played well in patches against us and Laura Ahearne and Verona Crowley were very good for them.”
He added: “It is nice to see Sligo clubs in provincial finals because that is what we need – more clubs to do what ourselves, Geevagh and St Nathy’s managed.”
Meanwhile, Eoghan Rua player Rachel O’Brien, who scored 1-2 in this victory, was delighted with the outcome.
“It is such an amazing feeling to win a Connacht title. Thank God we put the goal chances away.”
O’Brien is one of three St
Farnan’s players who’ll be no longer togging out for Eoghan Rua because St Farnan’s have reformed at adult level this year.
“It is tough to leave them after such a good win but we’re still excited to get back to our own club. It has been brilliant playing for Eoghan Rua but I’m looking forward to going back to St Farnan’s.”
The talented attacker said that Eoghan Rua, county champions and now Connacht champions, believed that they could prosper against Naomh Mhuire.
“I think from the get-go we knew we could do it. Fair play, everyone kept working hard. It was excellent.”
Orna O’Dowd and Joanne McDonnell, joint-captains of the successful Eoghan Rua team.
A delighted Aoibhe Barrins.