Glen manager Malachy O'Rourke celebrates after the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship semi-final match between Kilmacud Crokes of Dublin, and Glen of Derry, at Páirc Esler in Newry, Down. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile.
By John Harrington
Glen manager, Malachy O’Rourke, hailed the character of his players for just about resisting a late Kilmacud Crokes comeback to win Sunday’s AIB All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final.
His team looked like they might cruise to a comfortable enough victory when they led by seven points 11 minutes into the second-half, but on a foggy night in Newry the 10,000 plus in attendance were treated to a dramatic end to the game.
Crokes seemed the more likely winners when they drew level on 56 minutes, and even when Glen surged four clear with an injury-time goal and point they couldn’t relax because the Dublin team hit back immediately with a goal of their own.
Shane Walsh had a chance to bring the game to extra-time but his late shot drifted wide and Glen just about survived to avenge last year’s All-Ireland Final defeat.
“They are a quality team and they have so much experience, but at the same time when we were seven up we were going well and we had a couple of chances to even increase the lead,” reflected O’Rourke after the match.
“I just felt if we could keep chipping over the scores it was going to be really difficult for them to come back because we were playing well, defending really well.
“But they got a wee bit of momentum and we lost a couple of balls, they started to put a big press on our kickouts. It was a tough finish but even when things were going against the boys they showed great character to be able to get the victory.
“Winter football and championship football, you expect to get knocks and even before the game we always felt it was going to come down to the last few minutes of the game.
“And that’s what happened, although with 25 minutes left we would have hoped it would have been a bit more comfortable.
“It hopefully will stand to us going into the final. We were really well tested there and as I said to the other boys, ‘we are in exactly the same position as we were last year. It’s a 50-50 game in the final and you get nothing for what we have done so far.’
“It’s a great opportunity for both clubs and we just have to grasp it.”
Kilmacud Crokes manager Robbie Brennan arrives before the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship semi-final match between Kilmacud Crokes of Dublin, and Glen of Derry, at Páirc Esler in Newry, Down. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile.
Kilmacud Crokes manager Robbie Brennan, was gracious in defeat after the match, admitting that Glen were the superior side for the majority of the game.
“Beaten by the better team, there is no doubt about that,” said Brennan. “We probably played for 12 minutes and nearly nicked it but it would have been a stealing job.
“They had us in trouble all over the place at 0-11 to 0-4 and to be fair to the lads they did die with their boots on which was testament to them, they know themselves they didn't play well but we weren't let play.
“They have our number there, they had us in trouble in lots of areas, credit to them for that.
“Hats off, better team, if we were to be beaten by someone I'm glad it was Glen after all the shenanigans, they deserve their cut at it now.
“As a management, as a club, as a group of players they carried themselves brilliantly, post it, like you never heard anything really coming out, testament to the type of club they are.
“Nothing but respect for them and no disrespect to Brigid's but I hope for their sake they can go on and win it.”
Will the experience of losing last year’s Final stand to Glen as they prepare for another one against St. Brigid’s of Roscommon in two weeks’ time? Malachy O’Rourke isn’t convinced it will be all that big of an advantage.
“It is maybe a good position," he said. "But in fairness, we just take every game on it’s merits. And we just say, ‘the game is in front of us and we have to perform to the best to try to win it.’
“And that’s the way the final will be, we don’t think we have any real advantage. I suppose St Brigid’s have came in under the radar and it’s some opportunity for them. We will need to get focussed and we have a couple of injuries there.
“It’s a matter of using the couple of weeks really well and St Brigid’s, we will look at them hard over the next couple of days and be prepared for them.”
