Worth the wait for Clonoulty-Rossmore
By Michael Dundon
An hour after referee Kevin Jordan blew time on Clonoulty-Rossmore’s victory over Nenagh Eire Og in the County Senior Hurling final on Sunday, the players, their families and supporters were still celebrating on Semple Stadium. They were savouring a great occasion for their parish and its people, and they did not want it to end.
This was the stuff dreams are made of – a fourth county title for the parish, their first since 1997, all accomplished by their own people – former player John Devane the manager, with Paddy Bourke, and Jason Forrestal as his selectors. If ever there was a home-grown production, this was it.
Only one of the players is living in the parish so the commitment to the level of preparation necessary to reach this pinnacle was immense – four hour round journeys in some cases – but with parish pride a huge motivation the players bought into the sacrifices necessary, and this week as the celebrations continue, all would readily agree - it was worth it.
As team captain John O'Keeffe said when accepting the Dan Breen Cup from county chairman, John Devane, It is a dream come true – a special moment for everybody associated with the club.
And John had special praise for manager and former playing colleague John Devane. “An unbelievable manager who coached and trained us so well. He is top class.”
Manager John Devane was somewhat lost for words in the immediate aftermath of the win as he modestly accepted the congratulations and thanks of friends, neighbours, and many from outside the parish but his first thought was for his players.
“We were not fancied by many and were on offer at two to one with the bookies, but there is great character in this team and it showed when Nenagh got their second goal to go ahead near the finish. We were in a tough group in the championship but it stood to us. We got better as we went along the way.
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