Dromid boss offers no excuses as Denis ‘Shine’ ends playing days

DEFEAT is never easy for any side but maybe the only consolation for Dromid on Saturday was that it was not as agonising as last year in Portmagee when a free coming back off a post arguably led to them eventually losing by narrowest of margins.

Their manager Declan O’Sullivan wilfully admitted it was St Marys day last Saturday.

“St Marys played well and were really on form today. We are disappointed especially seeing our we felt our preparation over the last three months for the competition was very good, but St Marys were nearly first to every ball today,” he said.

He also highlighted the influence Bryan Sheehan and Denis Daly had on proceedings saying they were a midfield pairing a lot of inter-county teams would be delighted to have but felt there was only one real moment in the game where Dromid had a chance of victory.

“The only time we looked like doing something in the match was when we scored our first goal, but it didn’t last long with the goal they got at the other end. Physically they were stronger than us, but we have no excuses because the better team won on the day.”

O’Sullivan disagreed with the notion that St Marys having a tougher path to the decider was a factor believing their encounter with Skellig Rangers was a lot tougher that the scoreline suggested but still felt that Dromid have much to look forward to in the coming years.

“Today is a learning experience I hope that the players will take from. The future is still bright for the team and another year in Division Two of the County League should be of benefit to us for next year.”

One player Dromid will be saying farewell to is their outgoing Chairman Denis ‘Shine’ O’Sullivan who is retiring from matters on and off the pitch in 2019 and received a great roar of appreciation from the Dromid faithful when he came on late in proceedings. The team manager spoke highly of his former teammate.

“He has been a real central figure for the club and I remember growing up idolising him. He was the first guy I really admired in how he played the game and a really whole-hearted player who has had a great career, winning trophies with not only ourselves but also South Kerry and an All-Ireland with the Kerry Juniors.”