Game was there for the taking, says Horan

James Horan is often a hard man to read. The trademark peaked hat and avoidance of direct eye contact make sure he keeps his distance.

Yesterday he walked into the Croke Park media room, without the hat, a broken man. Whereas last year he talked about rebuilding and working on their deficiencies over the winter, this time his emotions broke through the mask of impenetrability. Will he return next year for another crack?

“Ah, I haven’t a clue. I haven’t a clue at this moment in time. We’ll go away and think about it,” he said.