Hooks, blocks, and tackles was winning formula

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Ballyea's James Murphy makes his speech. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

Where to start explaining the phenomenon of Ballyea. As everyone in Cusack Park was still trying to process their latest comeback for the ages, captain James Murphy's victory speech told everyone why it happened.

“Hooks, blocks and tackles,” he said — a point latched onto minutes later by his elated manager, Robbie Hogan. “That’s our calling,” he said.