A lot done, more to do for McKeon ahead rematch against Clann

Following the sound of Natalie Flanagan’s full-time whistle, an eerie silence descended upon the home of St. Croan’s GAA Club following Sunday's senior ladies' football semi-final at Enfield.

As both sets of players shook hands and supporters started trickling home, the usual cheers and whistles associated with getting over a county semi-final were absent.

Undoubtedly, given the destination of the result was apparent early on, it makes sense, but as Boyle manager Kieran McKeon congratulated his charges on their 15-point victory, a different sort of emotive reservedness was apparent.

Each Boyle player looked as focussed in the huddle as if the ball were about to be thrown in for the county final there and then.

However, before that match-up against Clann na nGael, McKeon took the time to reflect on his side’s performance at Enfield, giving credit to Boyle’s semi-final opponents.

“Éire Óg really brought it to us today. I know the scoreboard probably doesn’t tell the tale, but they worked really hard, tackled and got turnovers on us time and again, but I think we turned them over equally,” was the Boyle manager’s summary of his side’s victory.

McKeon admitted it took his side “a while to get comfortable in the game,” but throughout that period Boyle remained patient.

Éire Óg played their best football towards the end of the first half, availing of the wind to keep Boyle pressed in their half.

In the quarter-final, McKeon felt that his side were in a similar position and that previous experience paid off as Boyle kicked the final two points of the half.

“In our quarter-final against St. Ciaran’s, it was a game like that where we needed to break them down, and we knew Éire Óg were going to bring the same today,” he outlined.

McKeon added that Caoimhe Cregg’s and Katie Conroy’s goals came “at the right time,” ultimately swinging the momentum, and result, Boyle’s way.

Another positive aspect for McKeon to take from his side’s performance was the surge to the final whistle that saw his side kick five points from play.

Both peak fitness and added panel depth are culminating at the right time for the North Roscommon side, prompting their manager to deduce “it’s great we have a strong bench.” 

 “We had Heather Kerins there, she got injured in the Brigid’s game and I suppose it's great to see her back again. All the subs came in and did well, which is great,” highlighted McKeon.

With the semi-final in the record books, the focus shifts to Saturday, October 10th — a date some in the Boyle camp might have circled in the calendar a while ago.

A romantic could argue that a shot at county glory would be fitting for Boyle given it is 20 years since a LGFA team was established in the club, with corner-back Suzie Keenehan still involved from the inaugural 2006 team.

But few in the proximity of Johnstown would agree with that sentiment, who won’t forget lightly losing to Boyle in that 2023 decider.

Not getting distracted ahead of the build-up and excitement over the next two weeks McKeon highlighted that there were areas that needed working on before his side’s big game against Clann na nGael.

“Some of the passes weren’t great in the second half, we could’ve got more scores, so we’ve a bit to work on for the final,” he concluded.