Contrasting reactions after one-sided final

THERE were contrasting emotions and reactions following the full-time whistle in the 2022 Sligo Senior Hurling Championship final on Sunday last.

Easkey wanted the winning feeling to last forever and Naomh Eoin, who were vanquished again, were wishing next year could be here already so that they could dream of redemption.

The Sea Blues, champions for a third successive year, were collectively beaming.

Manager Michael Gordon, who maintained beforehand that if his team turned up and produced a performance that they would be there or thereabouts, was obviously pleased.

“I am very, very happy about this. They say it takes a good team to win a championship and a very good team to retain it. “But I think you can truly say that it takes a really good team to win three on the spin – and I think this is a really good [Easkey] team.”

Gordon, pictured, continued: “We have lots of things to improve on, as well as trying to do well in Connacht, but this result is very significant. “Our strategy for this final was to show an improvement in our skill level and the

speed of our hurling. We wanted our players to bring their ‘A’ game and show that on the pitch.”

Naomh Eoin selector Brian White tried to get his head around what had just happened. He said: “We went out there with a game plan and we stuck to it – and it didn’t work. Fair play to Easkey, they’re a very strong side. It is disappointing to come out on the wrong end of it again for a third year. But we’ll regroup and we’ll be back in it.

“I thought we were ready for them but it just didn’t work out like that for us,” he stated, adding his thanks to team manager John Doyle – who was unavoidably absent last Sunday – for his input throughout the campaign.

“John is great to work with and, as for the lads, they’re such a sound bunch. I have nothing but good things to say about them – they’ve been unbelievable with their commitment.” Meanwhile, Easkey sharpshooter Andrew Kilcullen, the game’s top scorer, was pleased with the outcome and his own contribution.

“It is unreal – to think that we’ve only been back as a senior club for a few years and to to achieve a three-in-a-row is brilliant.

“Especially with this group of lads – we’re like a bunch of brothers – it is a special achievement.”

Inter-county hurler Kilcullen was Sligo’s only representative on the GAA’s Christy Ring, Nickey Rackard & Lory Meagher Team of the Year. He was presented with his award at Croke Park last Friday night. He added: “To get an individual award was great but the main priority for me was this [Easkey] team and the – final, thank God we got over the line.”

Easkey have a Connacht

GAA Club Junior Hurling Championship semi-final against the Leitrim winners – either Carrick or holders Cluainín Iomáint – on the weekend after next.