Stack has ‘great respect’ for battle-hardened Castlehaven

St. Brigid’s senior football manager, Jerome Stack, admits that he has “great respect” for Castlehaven, his team’s opponents in Sunday week’s AIB All-Ireland club senior football championship semi-final.

While St. Brigid’s earned some rave reviews for their dismissal of Corofin in the Connacht final, Stack has warned his players that the resilience embedded within the West Cork side’s performances this season makes them formidable opposition when the teams lock horns at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles.

“If you look back at Castlehaven’s results, they got over the Munster final. They drew with Cratloe in normal time and went to extra time. They had three real battles in the Cork championship. They’re a seasoned, battle-hardened team. I’m under no illusions about what’s coming at us, and the players are under no illusions. Anything you’ll get from Castlehaven, you’ll earn. They’ve come the hard road.

“The game against Dingle (in the Munster final), in some instances, was a bit of a lottery because of the conditions but Castlehaven have come out the right side of any of those games this year. I’d have great respect for that. Just like us, you don’t get to where you are without earning the right to be in an All-Ireland semi-final.

“In most neutrals’ eyes, the other semi-final between Glen and Kilmacud would be the glamour one but I’d have great respect for what Castlehaven have done. I’m fully aware of the dangers that they’ll present to us,” he highlighted.