One more obstacle to negotiate, but HS Clonmel believe this is where they belong

After beating two Kerry schools already, not to mention taking the scalp of fancied Cork side Clonakilty CS, joint-captain Luke Hannigan and his teammates won’t fear Tralee CBS either.

CBS High School, Clonmel David Power in charge against Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

In your first season up from ‘B’ grade football, it should be all about consolidation at a higher level. 

Try telling that to High School Clonmel. A Corn Uí Mhuirí final in Mallow on Saturday is the reward for their almost fairy-tale journey.

After beating two Kerry schools already, in the shape of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine Kenmare and Presentation Milltown, not to mention taking the scalp of fancied Cork side Clonakilty CS, joint-captain Luke Hannigan and his teammates won’t fear Tralee CBS either.

“We knew that we were good enough for the ‘A’, because we believe in ourselves. We’ve trained hard throughout the six years in school to get to this point. We had that belief that we could perform in the ‘A’, and I think we showed that in the group, and in the knock-out stages as well,” he said.

“We knew that we had to get the win (against Kenmare), a draw wouldn’t do us. We went in at half-time, and we said that we had to keep the heads and keep composed, and just hold onto the ball. We just had to see the game out. It was a good game to play. It was exciting, high scoring.

“The weather conditions played into that a lot against Clonakilty. It was a dirty enough day down in Páirc Uí Rinn, wet and miserable, so we said it would be best to try and hold the ball in that game. We tried our best anyway, and we came out on top, so we were delighted again.

“The last day against Milltown, we knew ourselves that there was a fightback in us. I was nearly panicking (at six points down), but we said at half-time that we’d stay calm. We let the managers do the talking. We all got our breath back and stayed calm.

“We went out then and we performed. We got a nice goal from Mikey McGuire in the first 60 seconds, and that really drove us on. We just needed something to drive us on to get over the line again,” he added.

Hannigan, a member of the Tipperary U20 squad, came face-to-face with the Tralee CBS duo of Eoin Moriarty and Mairtín McKivergan during his club Clonmel Óg’s Munster junior championship semi-final against Ballymacelligott before Christmas. He knows the ‘Green are a strong side.

“They’re a very well-known team, with excellent players. As we did the last few games, we’ve got to stay composed, and focus on our own game. Then we’ll see what it’s like out on the pitch. All credit to them, they’re a fantastic team, and have had some great wins throughout the years, and also this year.

“Working together as a team (is a big strength). We’re all the one, really. That’s been drilled into us since first year inside in the school, about all working together as a team. We all know each other, we’re all friends, we all get on well. That really helps.” 

Having a top-class management team in Paddy O’Gorman, Ciarán Barrett and David Power has also played a significant role in the Tipperary school’s passage to the provincial decider. Hannigan knows his side will be more than prepared for what’s in store.

“They’ve been brilliant. We’ve been with Paddy and Ciarán for nearly six years inside in the school. They’re unbelievable coaches, and we’re nearly best friends at this stage,” he stressed.

“David Power coming in was just adding to it. He’s obviously a well-known man and a brilliant manager. He has a few medals in his back pocket as well, so hopefully he’ll be getting another one now next Saturday.

“I think we can win yeah. We’ve every chance of winning it. It’s a final. It’s all up for grabs. There’s never an easy final so, hopefully, we can get the job done and bring some silverware back.”