Owens: Our lads have that Offaly spirit, the old never-say-die attitude

Danny Owens soldiered with Offaly sides that plucked many victories from the jaws of the defeat during the 1980s and early ’90s and yesterday guided his Kilcormac Killoughey side to a remarkable comeback win.

“It was a stern test. Our lads have that Offaly spirit, the old never-say-die attitude and they kept grafting even when things weren’t going well for them,” said a relieved Owens.

Having masterminded a first county title, they now want more. Owens, an All-Ireland medal winner in 1981 and ’85 explained: “We might never be in this situation again. I know we are going to be up against serious opposition whether it is Oulart-the-Ballagh or Ballyhale, but we’ll be prepared and we’ll give them a game of it.”

His Rathdowney Errill counterpart Frankie McGrath rued some missed opportunities.

“We were right in there, but you have to take the opportunities that present themselves. We missed a couple at crucial stages.”

“We are incredibly proud of the effort today. Laois hurling gets a bad press from time to time but there can be nobody who can point the finger in the direction of Rathdowney Errill. Whatever problems are there, Rathdowney Errill, I hope, went a long way towards restoring some of that pride.”