Coach Moran hails players’ resilient streak

Shane Moran is in full flow, dissecting his side’s dramatic provincial final success when the bomb squad arrives.

The Roscommon manager, and local media, feel the full force of the ice-cold water that douses anyone in its vicinity. Given the pressure cooker that Coach Moran has just emerged from alongside the remnants from another day in the life of Ireland’s ongoing Indian Summer, it’s a welcome relief.

It’s that kind of evening as the sunshine continues to splash MacHale Park. Three out of the county’s four provincial U-20 and minor football titles this decade have been won here. Once the graveyard of Roscommon football, it suddenly feels like a home away from home.

As Moran composes himself to reflect on what his players have just achieved, the hoopla that continues around him offers an insight into the significance of a first Connacht minor title since 2020.

“You can see what it means to the lads. We spoke about that during the week, what it would mean to win this Connacht title.

“I’m delighted for them. They’ve worked so hard since we met up in early January. All credit to them, this is their reward this evening,” the Roscommon Community College teacher beamed.

Before the game, Moran had highlighted the developmental nature of the grade, and he wasn’t for changing on the back of Dara Curran getting his hands on the Tom Kilcoyne Cup.

“I said beforehand that this game wouldn’t define us, and it won’t. Hopefully, we’ll see some of them in six or seven years’ time, maybe earlier, playing for the Roscommon senior team,” he stated.

With a three-point lead at the break, the expectation was that Roscommon were finding their groove, having been idle for the best part of a month. But the Mayo revival, where they outscored their visitors by 0-8 to 0-1 in the third quarter, didn’t surprise Moran.

“They made a couple of changes in the third quarter. Young Ó Cinnseala came on and he made a big difference to them. They came out all guns blazing. They were physically very strong around the middle of the field. They lost a couple of players through injury but they replaced them with ones equally as good.

“But you have to admire our lads’ resilience to get back into the game. When we went four points down, we were worried. We encourage the lads to take ownership of games and be in control of what they do. And they went and did that.

“Conor Kelly came on and made a massive catch at the end. Seamie Carthy was introduced and made an impact, Seamus Hussey did well — they’re fine athletes. When you have the luxury of bringing them into a Connacht final with 15 minutes left, you’ve something to work with.

“Sam (Hannon) and Dara (Curran) weren’t as influential as they’ve been for us but they kept going to combine for the winning goal. If you talk about influential players, Diarmuid O’Higgins had an unbelievable game in the full-back line. He hadn’t played for Roscommon until this year because he was playing soccer. He has been a huge find.

“Tadgh Rogers died with his boots on. Conor Tighe was excellent. John Price got Man of the Match, he’s a workaholic. I can’t fault any of them,” he explained.

And what of the prospect of an All-Ireland quarter-final against the defeated Leinster finalists (Louth or Offaly).

“We’ll look towards the that game next week. Four Connacht titles at U-20 and minor level since 2020, when you win them, you enjoy them, and we’re going to enjoy this one,” he vowed.

Given the sweet nature of the triumph, there was nothing else left to dissect.