Absolutely heartbreaking for Sarsfields, says tearful Francis Madden

Amongst the throngs of maroon wearing Cushendall players and supporters on the field after Saturday’s game, Sarsfields selector Francis Madden wiped tears from his eyes.

Corner-back Cathal Murray is the club’s player/manager so Madden wore the bainisteoir bib and took the media duties. When he composed himself, he pored over the wreckage of All-Ireland semi-final failure.

“It’s heartbreaking that we won’t be there on St Patrick’s Day, it’s absolutely heart reaking,” said Madden.

The concession of a goal at the start of either half, he said, cost the Galway champions.

“Absolutely and, you know, on other days it was us scoring them so we know the value of that momentum.

“They seemed to get on that roll this time, we didn’t. We also didn’t get the bounce at times. I’m not saying that in any negative way, the better team won today and we wish them the best of luck going forward and we’ll be behind them in Croke Park.”

Sarsfields know all about All-Ireland final day. They’re one of only four clubs to have won back to back titles, in 1993 and 1994. Given that rich history, Madden struggled to accept that the club would, in time, be satisfied to have simply got this far and bridged a 17-year gap without a Galway title.

“That’s everybody else’s opinion, our opinion is that we’re deserved county champions,” said Madden.

“I’m fierce proud of the lads and the effort they put in all year. That effort was put in coming up to this game too, we just didn’t show it. But nobody will tell me that we were lucky county champions or anything like that. These lads are a super, super bunch and I’m just gutted for them.”