Dominic’s aiming to take another step to the next level

After St. Dominic’s run to last year’s county final, their manager Martin ‘Thady’ Beirne wants the Knockcroghery based outfit to show that they are now a force to be reckoned with.

St. Dominic’s came mightily close to securing a first county title win since 1999, but Four Roads used all their experience to come through a thrilling final.

Beirne’s charges have made an impressive start to 2025. Reaching the Junior Championship and Senior League finals is an early sign that St. Dominic’s mean business. According to Beirne their run has given his group added hunger.

“From the start of the year we said we would go out and try to win every game we have played. The aim was at the start of the year was to make four county finals; the Junior Championship, Senior League, U-21 and Senior Championship.

“We have a panel of 40 lads so it is a balancing act, but we have had a few challenge games to try things out. When they saw how close we were last year, it is easy get them motivated.

“Lads are mad to get involved in the panel now. It is no problem getting a guy in. Lads are contacting you to ask can they join in. It is not hard to drive it. They are driving it themselves. You can’t beat youth, and you need the bit of experience which we have in Naos (Connaughton) and Ciaran Hunt.

“Jack (Lohan) is only young, but he is captain and now he has the experience. That is the same for all these guys,” he noted.

Beirne believes this year’s championship could be even more competitive than the last. With Pádraig Pearses first up, Beirne is aware the Woodmount based side will be hurting after being eliminated early for the past two years.

“Pearses beat Four Roads in the league semi-final so they have shown what they can do. I don’t believe they will finish bottom this year. The likes of Seán Canning will be on a high after the Rackard semi-final so they won’t be simple but we feel we have six good forwards ourselves and a right good bench.

“As soon as Aaron Clogher blew the full-time whistle in last year’s final, it was the same as being marked out in the first round. You have to start at the bottom of the hill again.

“Four Roads were dominating for so long, but I think we gave it a shot in the arm last year. I didn’t think we came from nowhere but everyone else did. There was lots of good games while the county final was as good a county final as we have seen in a long time.

“You look then at this year. Oran have Francie Quine and Eamon Kenny involved. They have a bigger panel than they have ever had. Roscommon Gaels are doing great work and that is good because you need the town team going well. Four Roads are Four Roads. Athleague have experience while Tremane always have numbers. It is going to be an open championship,” Beirne concluded.