Alan Keane a vital component in victory
ALAN Keane put an excellent performance in for St John’s, scoring four points during the replay and was a significant part of the victory.
The former Sligo Rovers player said overall it was a brilliant team performance: “As the saying goes, it was a game of two halves I suppose. We went in at half time and we were really disappointed because we just didn’t turn up the first half. We knew there was a slight breeze but it didn’t make a difference, we were second to everything, to a man they were beating us all over the pitch, with more desire. We all had a little pop at each other at half-time, Dara and the management came in and they had a pop at us aswell and said listen, it’s either going to pass ye by and ye’ll be drowning your sorrows on an opportunity thrown away. Because we owed to ourselves last week when we didn’t turn up either and we were blessed to be here again today.
“I know the talent the boys have, I’ve been training with them all year and we get to the final and they don’t perform. Maybe it was a good thing we were behind at half-time, we said we’d go out and got nothing to lose, the last thing we said going out the door was we’ll go down fighting.
“The early goal was important, we said to keep chipping away and to be fair, the lads were absolutely superb. Noel O’Donnell first half pulled off two great saves and we should have been more than five points down at half time and it was game over.
“The boys at the back did excellently second half and we just kept chipping away with the scores. To be fair to Farnan’s they are a good side and we knew it was a tough game. I spoke to James Murphy before the game personally, he was really disappointed to be dropped and I said don’t worry about it because you will get the opportunity and you’ll be the match winner or you’ll change the game, signs on, he’s come on and got man of the match.
“Another medal it’s enjoyable, it keeps me involved in a team sport. Looking forward to the Connacht game, I know the lads think I’m daft I said I want to go and win a Connacht title but that’s down the road a bit. My target personally is to play in Croke Park whether that will happen or not.”
Manager Dara McGarty was relieved to get over the line especially after being five points down at half time. He said: “I’m just happy the boys gave a good account of themselves in the second half because they didn’t in the first and we could have been more behind.
“They did well, we got a bit of luck, they expressed themselves more they went out and played. Look, have to say Farnans were really good as well, they beat us fair and square in the first half, they had chances in the second that they missed and it could have been a closer game. Full respect to Farnan’s they are a fine side.
“I didn’t enjoy it but it was a good game overall but I’m delighted our lads got a performance out of themselves. I don’t think it was their best performance but they did enough to get over the line. Fair play to them.
“The subs did well, look we had a few tough calls to make this week and we picked the team we thought would start best and we thought we might have to change and we did have to change early. James was excellent, all four subs who came in made a difference. Look it’s a 19/20 man game and you’re going to need everyone. We’re delighted to get over the line.
“Our Connacht fixture (with Aughawillan) is going to be very tough but we’re going to celebrate this, it’s been 16 years since we got a cup and today is about appreciating the good that it is.”
Captain Niall Walsh paid tribute to the whole team and supporters who made the win possible in his acceptance speech. He also praised St John’s stalwart Paddy Galvin and also the excellent St Farnan’s team. “Ye put it up to us. It really is a game of two halves. Our management team got us going in the second half. Ye are a brilliant team. Ye are a very very good side and ye will be up with us next year hopefully.”
“Big thanks to our families, the volunteers the St John’s flag committee, everyone,” which was met with huge applause. “To everyone in the committee in Cuilbeg, we’re not far from home but that is home. For the last 30 years, I see a lot of faces here today who were there in the early days, this is really for ye,” as the club celebrates 30 years this year, they now have another title to celebrate.