Tears flow as St Michael’s qualify for Croke Park

Date Published: 27-Jan-2009

THE tears flowed freely at Pairc Ciaráin, Newtown Cashel on Sunday last, but they were all droplets of joy for the St. Michael’s supporters who had just witnessed their side advance to the All-Ireland intermediate football final in Croke Park next month.

It should be an occasion of real romance – in every sense of the word – for St. Michael’s, when they take on Kerry champions St. Michael’s-Foilmore at the Jones’ Road venue on Valentine’s Night, Saturday, February 14 (7.45).

Their tension packed 1-9 to 0-11 victory, over Laois and Leinster champions Ballyroan Abbey, was inspired by a power packed midfield display from Eddie Hoare. The midfielder scored six points and set up the crucial goal for Conor Hoctor just before half-time.

St. Michael’s GAA club secretary, Barry Cummins, said that getting to Croke Park represented a fairytale end to a wonderful season for the club.

“It is hard to believe that back in 2007 we had to win a vital match against Spiddal in the league to stay up but since then we haven’t looked back. Last Sunday was a tremendous day for everyone involved with the club,” said Barry Cummins.

He said that already the club was looking at the logistics of the Croke Park final date as regards travel and accommodation, while the management team of manager Paddy Regan, selector Peter Curran and trainer John Ruane were also planning their schedule for the next two and a half weeks or so, with a return to training tonight (Tuesday).

“It was very emotional last Sunday in Longford and the tears did flow. I was looking at people like Tommy Kelly, Joe Corcoran and Tom Nally – they were just like children after realising that Santa Claus had come,” said Barry Cummins…

For the full match report see page 30 of this week’s Sentinel