Maughan’s tribute to gallant losers

CROSSMOLINA coach John Maughan was loud in his praise of newcomers Strokestown after his side had to work hard to preserve their unbeaten record in Connacht.

“Strokestown really put it up to us. They are a tremendously gritty side and never allowed us to pull away. They gave us a ferocious contest in very testing conditions and we were never out of the woods until we got our final point in injury time,” said Maughan.

Maughan said in normal circumstances the game should not have gone ahead. “There was water all over the field and the howling wind made life desperately difficult for both sides. But at this time of year you have to contend with those sort of things.”