How Glen Rovers beat the dark days

Six days out from their first Munster final appearance in 40 years, and the Glen Rovers clubhouse is humming with activity.

Flocks of young kids, determined to be decked out in the correct attire for the trip to Thurles, flow in and out of the club shop which is manned by three women. The gear is flying off the shelves.

In the club bar at the top of the hill, five elderly gentlemen have gathered at the counter. The chat is of Ballyea and who, outside of Tony Kelly, has the potential to ruffle the feathers of Graham Callanan, Stephen McDonnell, and company in the Glen defence. Gary Brennan is mentioned. “He’s the footballer,” quips one of the men.