'We learned to grind out teams'

If ever the All-Ireland Club finals needed a reason for approval, Saturday was it.

No Carlow club had ever claimed an All-Ireland title.

Since Éire Óg contested the highs of the football finals in the mid-’90s, which they lost to O’Donovan Rossas and Laune Rangers, the county has watched longingly at the All-Ireland Club final days.

Bagenalstown’s Erin’s Own losing appearance in a junior hurling final added to the pain.

But in Croke Park Mount Leinster Rangers became the first club from the county to claim an All-Ireland title. It was such a big achievement that it will take time to settle in.

“Even hearing that is weird, it is brilliant,” said Denis Murphy who finished the day with 0-10.

“It’s a huge achievement for the club and all involved but it’s also a big thing for Carlow. It’s a huge a boost. We had brilliant support from all over the county. There were signs up there from all clubs supporting us.”

Unlike most clubs though, it hasn’t been a particularly long journey. Formed in 1988 the townlands of Borris, Rathanna and Ballymurphy amalgamated to become the major force of Carlow hurling since the early 2000s. But just because they are young doesn’t mean they haven’t experienced pain.

“We’ve lost our fair share,” said Murphy.

“I don’t know how many county titles we’ve lost, a Leinster final in 2009 but we have developed and learned to grind out teams.

“We won our county title by a few points after a replay and won all the games since by two points.

“It hasn’t been all brilliant times. There were a lot of hard times but it’s been a steady progress. We’ve been constantly getting better with hard work. There is massive work underage. Throughout the summer we had to fight for the field there were so many young lads in it. It’s great to see.”

Now it is all about the party. The club has been joined by GAA fans from around the county and their reception in Borris on Saturday night packed the town.

“There is a carnival atmosphere now. We arrived back to Borris at midnight and I heard there was still people going strong at 6.50am. We had a parade through the town today and there’s loads of music on now. I don’t when it will stop.”