Killian Spillane relishing Croker trip

It is said of Seán Kelly his greatest achievement as GAA president was opening the doors of Croke Park to the soccer and rugby fraternities of this country.

Pat Spillane disagrees.

The Kerry football legend holds the view Kelly’s greatest achievement was opening the doors of Croke Park to the small, rural clubs operating, or languishing as is often the case, in the junior ranks.

Tomorrow afternoon the footballers of Templenoe will step onto the hallowed turf of Jones Road in their bid for All-Ireland junior glory; a club pulling from “a stretch of area” that is without a primary school and is home to no more than 400 people.

“Seán gave lads from small clubs and small parishes a chance to play in Croke Park and this is what sport is all about,” remarked Templenoe native Spillane.

“We played in Croke Park with Kerry, but it’s not the same thing as playing there with your club.” This is a sentiment shared by Pat’s nephew Killian who has already won All-Ireland minor and junior titles in the green and gold at GAA HQ. Neither would compare, however, to winning with family — Killian’s first cousin John is expected to start at centre-back against Mayo’s Hollymount-Carramore, while Pat junior is a regular off the bench.

“This means everything to me, despite the fact I have been there four times with inter-county teams. It will be some experience to be there with your friends that you’ve grown up with,” said Killian

“It’s something my Dad and uncles never experienced, so running out onto Croke Park with my brother and my cousins Pat and John will make it a huge occasion for the families as well as being huge for ourselves.”

With the majority of the squad resident up the country during the week — 12 starters are still in education — several lengthy journeys have been taken twice-weekly over the past 13 months.

“It was a bit strange to be training and playing games in November and December, but it did not bother us too much. We are all young and we just love coming down home at weekends and training because there’s a great buzz around the place and it’s a lot easier when you’re winning.”

Having steamrolled Coolmen to the tune of 20 points in the Munster final, it was a much different story in last month’s All-Ireland semi-final, patience required in breaking down the defensive wall put up by Meath champions Curraha.

“Our ability to tweak our style and adjust our play depending on who we meet is something that has stood us in good stead.

“While the pretty football can often be attractive and what our supporters want, it’s not always possible and this team has the ability to win ugly as well. Croke Park should suit us down to the ground because we like playing an expansive game and Croke Park is a pitch that allows you attack probably more than other venues. Even if our opponents decide to play defensive against us, we should be able to counteract it in the wide open spaces of Croke Park.”