Killester coach Jonny Grennell: Winning Pat Duffy National Cup took everything we got

WINNERS: Killester's Isiah Dasher and Coach Jonathan Grennell celebrate. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

After they collected the Pat Duffy National Cup thanks to a flattering 17-point victory, there was only one job left for coach Jonny Grennell.

He gathered his team in front of the stand for a picture with their founder Fr Mick Casey. It was time to rejoice.

“We are delighted to get over the line,” said Grennell.

“They are an incredible team; they are where they are because they have a great coach. You saw it today. It took everything we got. It was our best game, maybe not our best shooting game but the best game for grit and fight.

“I take after my mam; I’m a bit of a worrier. My brother and my dad are more relaxed. I’m worried about ‘I don’t want to ruin tomorrow.’

"If the girls win but the men lose, that is just my predisposition. It is a relief. It is a lot of hard work that goes into it from the guys. We are going really well. You have to win something when you are going well.”

Meanwhile, UCC Demons coach Danny O’Mahony felt his side ran out of energy in the fourth quarter. They were one point down at the end of the third quarter only to lose out 92-75.

“I think we came out with a game plan. We executed in the first half, we were within four points against a very, very talented team.

"They probably figured out what we were doing at half-time in fairness to Jonny. He came out with a gameplan in the second half, I thought in the third quarter we got back into the game, but they hit some big shots when it mattered.

“Maybe we had the same guys out there for a bit too long, a couple of lapses in concentration and they hit shots there.

"In a game like this, both teams are throwing punches. A big shot like that is like a knockout punch.”

A strong Cork support turned out to watch them try to go back-to-back.

“That is the part that hurts the most,” said O’Mahony.

“So many people travelled up here today to support the guys. We gave them something special last year and just wanted to replicate that.”