‘Going to be another day’ factor wins out

MARTIN FOGARTY was not quite perplexed when it came to explaining the poor quality of yesterday’s Leinster hurling final.

For instance, he suggested that it might be down to the fact that the teams — and the supporters — appreciated that both of them qualified for the All-Ireland quarter-final, irrespective of the outcome.

But, from their perspective, the Kilkenny selector was sure about one thing: it had nothing to do with the fact that the game came immediately after a terrific Leinster football semi-final, in which Wexford also suffered defeat. “We didn’t see it, or we didn’t hear about it,” he said, amused to be even asked the question.

“Nothing in the slightest.”

Saying that he thought the first-half had been ‘dead enough’, he commented: “I thought at half time the thing would stir up. But, there was no atmosphere there today.

“Whether that had anything to do with the fact that the two teams are in the same position I don’t know.

“Coming up we certainly wanted to win it and I’m sure that Wexford certainly wanted to win it too, but the game itself never seemed to take off.

“The crowd didn’t seem to get involved, even when good scores were produced. It leads me to believe, they were saying ‘there’s going to be another day’.”

What was reassuring for the management was that any time that their team came under a bit of pressure, they were able to get scores ‘to keep their noses in front’.

“We’re delighted to get the win. It’s important to get into the habit of winning. We want to win every game we play.

“It wasn’t a fierce test from Wexford, but at the same time they have beaten Kilkenny (in 2004) and a lot of these boys have been successful at under-21 level over the years.

“They were well capable of coming up and beating us. So, from that point of view, if our guard was down, we could get beaten.”

Nevertheless, he agreed that they had never really looked in trouble.

“It seemed that way. From the sideline we looked in control. We were comfortable enough. But, you’d never know could have happened if they rapped in two or three quick goals. But, our lads were up for it.

“While there mightn’t have been an atmosphere there, they knew what their job was. And, to be honest, they’re all playing for their places. If they stop working, somebody else is in.

“We have a panel there at the moment where it’s not easy to pick a team. It’s no bother to replace somebody, so from that point of view the players are going to be grafting from start to finish.”

Looking ahead, Fogarty accepted that anything could happen in the quarter-final.

“If a team gets it right on the day, gets a bit of jizz into themselves and the break of the ball, they could turn you over.

“Some teams mightn’t go on and win an All-Ireland, but they could stop a team that could have designs on winning one.”