Brogan’s face tough test in first leg of double bid
It would be a phenomenal achievement if they were to win the double, but they face an Offaly side who, like themselves, are appearing in their first final at this level and who have been very impressive in all their games this season.
Brogan’s, who are coached by two Kerrymen, Paudie Palmer and Michael Crowley, chalked up some impressive results along the way also, most notably their 3-8 to 2-6 victory over St Ciaran’s (Ballygawley).
Vocational football in Tyrone is extremely strong, stronger than at colleges level, and beating Ciaran’s will probably make the Bandon school slight favourites to lift the All-Ireland title tomorrow.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we expect to be contesting two All-Ireland finals,” said Paudie. “If we were to win one of them it would be fantastic, but we’ll be going for the two. These kind of chances don’t come around too often for our school.
“Our team is nicely balanced with a couple of them involved with the county minor team. That kind of experience is invaluable. With our senior hurlers in the final also, it’s not easy trying to juggle both codes with so many dual players involved.
“However we have prepared as best we can and if we can reproduce the form we displayed in the semi-final against Ballygawley, I would be very hopeful of winning.”
Ferbane Schools are an amalgamated side and this is their third year taking part. Their team is coached by Brendan Clarke, current Offaly under-21 boss, and according to team official John Irwin, Clarke has done wonders with the players.
“Brendan’s influence on the team is pronounced. He has succeeded in moulding them into a smashing team who play a very attractive brand of football.
“While we know very little about Brogans, they have come through the tougher side of the draw, and any team that defeats Ballygawley has to be respected.
“Our team is a good one and if we play to our potential, Brogans will know they are in a game.”
Ferbane will include three current Offaly minors, Jerry Gahan, James Rafferty, brother of senior Ger, and Kevin Flannery. They will also include Trevor Phelan who got a final trial with the Irish schoolboys rugby team, Michael Kenehan and Paul Deely, who is an excellent scoring forward.
The Offaly side has already won this year’s Connacht schools rugby title and according to John Irwin, an All- Ireland GAA title would side very nicely alongside it.
Brogans have a number of inter- county minors in their side also. Kevin Canty, Cathrach Keane and Stephen Keohane all figured with Cork in their 0-22 to 0-3 victory over Waterford last week.
When you add in Brian Canty and Owen Manning, both of whom were county minor hurlers last year, this Brogans team has a lot of experience.
They get the nod to create history by bringing up the first leg of a possible double.
St Brogans 2-12, Causeway 0-6
St Brogans 1-10, Beara 0-8
St Brogans 1-13, Sliabh Luachra (Rathmore) 0-5
St Brogans 3-8, St Ciarans (Ballygawley) 2-6
Ferbane Schools 2-10, Scoil Chonglais (Wicklow) 0-7
Ferbane Schools 2-12, Athlone CC 0-5
Ferbane Schools 3-11, Tullamore CS 1-10
Ferbane Schools 4-15, St Pats (Lackencross) 0-11
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
