Athenry show true grit to hold off Sars
The revamped Pearse Stadium, boasting a magnificent new covered stand, was packed to its 9,000 capacity and several thousand more braved the strong wind and showers in the new terraces while the re-laid pitch was as playable as any other in this sodden country. But ultimately yesterday’s battle was a test of character .
Having played with the strong downfield wind, Sars’ half-time lead of five points, 1-7 to 0-5, didn’t look near enough and when Athenry turned that over and raced into a 1-9 to 1-7 lead within ten minutes of the re-start, there were fears this would turn into a rout. A minute later, the challenge facing Sars looked even more insurmountable when, after a series of off-the-ball confrontations, former Galway star Joe McGrath was given an early bath after felling Athenry centre-back Diarmuid Cloonan.
