Delighted boss Hogan turns focus towards Gort clash

KEN HOGAN was already thinking of the All-Ireland semi-final at the final whistle in Nowlan Park yesterday.

His Coolderry side had just won their first Leinster club title, but that’s a stepping stone to a meeting with the Galway champions.

“We’re delighted to win but we have another step to go, Gort are a tremendous team,” said Hogan. “They were watching us today. I was over in Al Hayes’s in Portumna recently and talking to lads there so we know it’ll be a tough one the next day.”

What made the difference for Coolderry this season? “The difference has been the players,” said the former Tipperary player and manager. “We have had lads come down to the field for us, lads who aren’t even on the panel, and they’ve helped us by making up A versus B games. Those guys weren’t even with us today but they came down and play in those games to help us out. Hard work comes through as well, and the lads have worked very hard. Days like today are to be cherished, I’m delighted we got the win.”

Meanwhile, Oulart boss Liam Dunne didn’t think favouritism was an issue in his side’s defeat.

“I don’t think we looked into that. I’ve been in four Leinster club finals, two as a manager and two as a player, and we’ll bounce back. In sport you don’t get always get justice, but we didn’t take our opportunities today.”

Dunne was asked about his new post, as Wexford hurling boss: another big job.

“A bigger disaster,” he laughed. “No, I’m looking forward to it. I enjoyed the three years with Oulart and they’ll be back.”

And lifting the Oulart lads on the Wexford team after yesterday? “Maybe there mightn’t be any of them coming in,” said Dunne, with a grin. “It’s the measure of a man, how he bounces back from defeats. I hope these boys don’t go down the same road as I did (playing for Oulart). We didn’t get the opportunity to play in a third Leinster club final. Hopefully they will.”