John McGrath and Loughmore/Castleiney relish the busy schedule
By Shane Brophy
A lot is made about Loughmore/Castleiney’s schedule as they fight on two fronts on an almost annual basis, but its is only an issue if you make it one according to ace marksman John McGrath.
“It’s fierce enjoyable,” he said, speaking in advance of last Sunday’s senior football semi-final against Moyle Rovers which had their focus before turning their attention to Toomevara in the senior hurling final next Sunday.
“We just go and play every weekend,” he added.
“Different focuses I suppose, but it is great to be in the mix at this time of the year and we’ll see where it takes us.”
On the flip side, Toomevara have a full fifteen days to prepare off the back of their semi-final win over Moycarkey/Borris, and McGrath is looking forward to the challenge of a side they haven’t played very often in recent years.
“Since I have been playing, it maybe only once, but back the years we would have met in quarter finals a lot when Toome were in their pomp and were the kingpins,” he added.
“They have been building nicely for the last couple of years, semi-finalists last year and finalists this year.
“They are an experienced team, battle hardened, have come through a tough group, and came through a tough battle with Moycarkey in the semi-final, so it is a huge challenge ahead and that is what you look forward to and is why you play the game.”
This will be John McGrath’s sixth senior hurling final, with a record of two wins (2014 & 2021), two defeats (2013 & 2020) and one draw (2021), but it is an occasion he will never get tired of experiencing, for fear it might be his last.
“It is huge,” he said.
“These opportunities only come around every so often. We have been in a few of them, we have won a couple and lost a couple.
“They are special days to look forward to. A good few lads have been there before while there are a couple of guys facing into their first final this year, so it is great for the club the way things are going at the moment.
“Winning Dan Breen is where we all aim for at the start of the year."