O’Leary: We were prepared for a ‘battle and a half’

Dr Crokes manager Noel O’Leary said he always expected Kilmurry-Ibrickane were going to made lifedifficult for them.

Even though the visitors were eight points ahead with 20 minutes left, O’Leary anticipated John Kennedy’s side would fashion a fightback.

“That’s going to stand to us, it was a battle and a half but I expected nothing different coming here. These fellas won two Clare championships, won a Munster a couple of years ago, I keep saying John Kennedy is a good trainer.

“We were under no illusions about what to expect and hopefully things will work for us again in two weeks’ time (v Clonmel Commercials).

“They were going to come into it. It’s a game of football, 15 against 15, they’re not here for the fun at all.

“They were like ourselves and we were good enough at the end of it. We got the two goals and they got no goals and our keeper made two great saves.”

As for the loss of Ambrose O’Donovan, who injured himself last Thursday, O’Leary acknowledged Crokes had it difficult in midfield, especially in the second half.

“We didn’t get breaking ball, we couldn’t. We’ve to work on that again. We lost Jamie Doolan before the (Kerry) semi-final, we lost Fionn Fitzgerald for the final.

“We’ve to get on with these things, they’re part of life. We have to move on and that’s what a panel is for.”

The likes of Colm Cooper certainly felt the physical force of Kilmurry-Ibrickane on a sodden pitch but O’Leary played down that aspect of the affair.

“That’s what it’s all about. It’s not basketball we’re playing. It’s a man’s game and all you want is a good referee to ref the match.

“That’s what it’s all about. It’s not rocket science, football is about 15 men against 15 men.”

Kilmurry-Ibrickane manager Kennedy was delighted with his team’s show of character if not the result, losing to Crokes for the second successive season.

“The wind was a big advantage (in the first half) and we needed to be about three or four points up at least.

“We didn’t it and when we were eight points down the signs were ominous but look there is serious character in this team.

“I said in the dressing room at half-time that we wouldn’t come off the field without leaving everything on it and that’s what they did.

“We can’t ask for anymore. We matched one of the best teams in the country, one point in the end and a draw would have been a fair result. We had the momentum but well done to Dr Crokes. They destroyed every team they played in Kerry this year, we saw the Kerry final and they came in here as overwhelming favourites.”

After two seasons in charge, Kennedy wouldn’t say whether he was interested in remaining in charge but is convinced there is another Munster title for the current crop of players.

“There were people saying our lads were finished and players missing and so forth but there’s unreal passion in that dressing room.

“We saw good young lads coming on and I think we saw the impact the subs made today. There are two or three coming on and whoever is involved with Kilmurry next year can kick on and win a Munster title. Three points last year, one point this year, we are improving but it wasn’t enough.”