Ryan: Great day for Kilworth and players

When Kilworth coach TJ Ryan looked at the scoreboard and saw his side facing an early seven-point deficit, he knew his side’s pride would pull them through.

Kanturk put it up to them in every area of the pitch and the Kilworth players had to look hard at themselves to find out if they were willing to do what it took to win.

“We didn’t play well at all being 1-4 to no score down,” said Ryan.

“But, in fairness to our guys, there was a bit more heart, bit of drive and a bit of pride in the village in our second-half performance. We didn’t say much in the dressing-room at half time. When you win games people always say ‘what happened in the dressing-room at half time?’ There wasn’t anything major. It was just go back and try and hurl and get a few scores. And straight away we got a tonic start when Noel Mc [Namara] goaled and that was just exactly what we needed and got us back into the game. I kind of felt once we got ahead we would hang on because the boys have great drive.”

There appeared to be lots of tension in the game?

“There was because these clubs haven’t a lot won over the years. There was a lot of nervous energy there early on and Kanturk made the better use of it. Maybe then when they looked like winning they got a bit nervous and made a few mistakes and missed a few scores.

“But look, that happens. It is a great day for Kilworth and a great day for the players. I am delighted for them. They are a good side and have some fine players and we got some good scores. We got a few breaks. I think when Kanturk look back tonight they will be disappointed with the amount of wides they had.”

And the disappointment etched on Anthony Nash said as much. “It is sickening,” he reflected. “Kilworth have been there or thereabouts for the last few years. So, you can’t let off of the gas at any stage. And I suppose we left off the gas there for too long in the second half. Look you can’t blame anyone. I came outfield and I put the ball wide. I suppose they counted up alright but you are going to have wides every day but unfortunately we had too many today. It is easy stand here and say we will come back next year and be stronger and fitter. It is hard to do the two [football and hurling]. I suppose we will have to decide as a group whether we are going to do it or not.

“Yes, we are young team. I am the second oldest in the team today and the guy that is older than me, Donough Duane, won’t retire either. So I suppose we will be able to pull in one or two more players. But, like, it is tough. It is heartbreak at the moment.”