Farrell hails fighting spirit after Gaels push favourites to the wire
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Damien Donohoe
Cavan Gaels joint manager Finian Farrell says his first feeling after the All-Ireland junior semi-final is one of pride, insisting his players “emptied the tank” in a gallant second-half surge that almost forced extra time.
“Absolutely, I’m proud of them,” Farrell said.
“Particularly in the second half. We told them at half-time that they had to run at this crowd, not stand back and admire them. And they did that. They emptied the tank.”
Farrell felt several key decisions could have swung the contest. “A couple of decisions could have gone our way, including the one on Katie O’Meara, I thought it was a penalty, but these things happen in football. The important thing is they kept going and never dropped their heads.”
The Gaels missed two major goal chances in the opening half, including a superb save from Kerry All-Star goalkeeper Edel Murphy to deny Katie Leddy. Farrell admitted they were pivotal moments. “We were disappointed we didn’t take one, but the keeper made a fantastic save from Katie O’Meara. She did everything right.”
The management team had studied the opposition and expected them to tire after their intense early running.
“We knew from videos that they do tire a bit in the second half. They wouldn’t keep that up for 60 minutes. And we actually play well against the wind because we go through the hands with fast ball.”
Farrell felt a late goal was coming.
“They kept going and were very unlucky not to get a goal near the end. I actually thought it might go to extra time.”
He praised the leadership and athleticism shown around the field, especially from the engine-room players.
“There are four or five with phenomenal engines, Sarah Clarke, Emma McIntyre, Ciara Farrell, they just keep going. Katie O’Meara was double-marked but still scored five or six points. Terrific player.”
Farrell also highlighted the overall character of the group.
“You couldn’t fault any of them. They all gave a huge effort. They died with their boots on, played to the 62nd minute, and we can ask for no more.”
He believes the side were up against the likely champions. “You’re competing with the best in Ireland. They’re probably favourites for the All-Ireland. If we had to be beaten, let it be by the eventual winners.”