GAA: Champs ‘can go all the way’

LIMERICK star Gary Kirby, who played his last game for Patrickswell yesterday, is convinced newly crowned Munster champions Newtownshandrum have the ability to capture All-Ireland honours.

“They are a superb side and have an abundance of speed, skill and class. It is very difficult to look beyond them,” said Kirby after formally announcing his retirement. He won 10 Limerick county senior and two Munster club medals, as well as a host of intercounty honours.

However, Newtown coach Ger Cunningham was the first to admit his charges had him worried early on when they conceded two goals in the opening eight minutes.

“Obviously the occasion got to some of our lads. We were very jittery in the opening 20-minutes.

“But I was amazed that although not playing well we were still leading by a point at half time. I would attribute that to the magnificence of centre-back Pat Mulcahy and the character of this side.

“There is no doubt in my mind Mulcahy is now the best centre-back in Munster and has no peer in that position in club hurling. He was primarily responsible for holding us together when our composure was brittle early on.”

Cunningham revealed he was confident at half-time.

“I knew there was a lot more in our lads and with an injection of pace would go on to take the title,” he said.

According to Cunningham, a telling pep-talk during the break and the introduction of Mick Morrissey at centre-forward four minutes into the second half proved to be the major formula for Newtown’s historic accomplishment.

“Players such as Ben O’Connor were not performing up to scratch. A number of them were taken aside and candidly told what was required.

“Young players like James Bowles and John Paul King were left to carry the can and the lads were told that this was not acceptable.

“Their response was magnificent and Mike Morrissey was outstanding following his introduction. His presence brought more power to our attack. More openings were created and I thought we played very good hurling and took our scores well to finally see of the challenge of Patrickswell,” said the Newton coach.

Ben O'Connor was the first to laud the contributions made by Bowles, who scored 2-4 and King, who posted four splendid points. “This was their day,” he said.

Gary Kirby said the Well had no crib: “Once they hit the push-button in the second half there was always going to be only one result.”