Jason Lonergan: Clonmel Commercials breaking new ground

Jason Lonergan of Clonmel Commercials believes that a win over Tir Chonaill Gaels in the Club All-Ireland senior quarter-final on Sunday would be a huge statement for Tipperary football and set the standard for future generations.

Commercials made history on two weeks ago when they beat Nemo Rangers to become the first Tipp side to claim the Munster club senior football title. There is no time to celebrate for the Clonmel side however, as London outfit Tir Chonaill Gaels stand between them and an All-Ireland semi-final.

“A win for the club would be massive but it would also make a huge statement for Tipperary football,” said Lonergan. “Hopefully driving the Tipperary teams of the future.”

Despite already making history, Commercials haven’t taken their eye off the ball, according to the 21-year-old forward.

“The only thing the team and myself have thought about is winning the next game and it’s been that way since we started this competition.”

With the All-Ireland quarter-final looming, Commercials haven’t had a chance to let their Munster success sink in according to Lonergan.

As the game entered added time, Nemo were two points clear. However a long ball into the Rangers backline fell to Michael Quinlavan who calmly finished past Michael Martin to give his side a one-point advantage, which proved to be enough.

“Coming into extra-time two points down, I only had one thing on my mind, put a high ball into the full forward-line,” said Lonergan. “On a wet day anything can happen.”

It’s been an eventful few weeks for the third year Cork IT mechanical engineering student. Shortly after winning the Munster title, he was awarded a sports scholarship. “The CIT bursary the college gave me is a massive help as it’s very hard to get a part-time job being a student and play GAA. It takes a huge weight off my parents’ shoulders, and mine.”