‘This performance was coming’ — Compton

For everyone associated with Strokestown, it was a special day.

To claim a first Connacht title at adult level by defying their underdogs status to topple a fancied Kilmeena was incredibly satisfactory for everyone associated with the club.

Captain Colin Compton felt that although his side had struggled to find their best form and sustain it over an hour leading into this contest, he always believed that Sunday’s strong performance was on the horizon.

“We felt that even though we won the (county) championship, we mightn’t have hit top gear. I don’t know why but it didn’t quite click but today it clicked. It was coming. We knew it was coming and we just had to be patient. We said on Friday night that if we turned up, we would come out on top and that's what happened.

“I thought we managed the game very well. We were tidy in our play. It wasn’t perfect, but I thought we were very efficient in what we were doing. We were solid defensively, and we were disciplined. We didn’t give much away and then when we got the goal chances, we stuck them. That is the main thing,” the Strokestown captain stated.

For David Neary, the feeling was equally as special. The Strokestown wing-back was delighted to be a part of history and to see his side banish the doubts over the strength of their midfield.

“I am absolutely delighted with that — to get to a final and put in a performance like that. We played in patches all year. Midfield today was absolutely unbelievable. There was a lot written and said about them. Last week (against Allen Gaels), we felt that we were still on top.

“We won 60 per cent of the kickouts and people were still writing them off but Colm (Neary) and Fionn (Cusack) absolutely dominated in there and laid the foundation for us, so I am just so happy for them two boys,” he explained.

Even though Strokestown led by 2-9 to 0-8, having produced some scintillating football, they were by no means assured of victory.

Given Kevin Finn was black carded in first-half injury time and Kilmeena enjoyed wind advantage in the final period, the fact that Strokestown restricted their foes to just a point while down a man laid the platform for this win, according to Neary.

“We spoke about that at half time and how big of a psychological blow it would be if we could keep our lead. We didn’t even need to extend it, we just said if we could keep it at arm’s length and not let them pull anything back on us.

“I am very happy with how we managed that. We could have got a couple more scores looking back on it. But I’m delighted to come away with a nine-point win. I can’t ask for any more than that.

“That is our first Connacht title at adult level. A lot of them boys would have a Connacht minor title from a few years ago, so to be able to go and add one at adult level is unbelievable. It is just so good,” Neary stated.

Strokestown manager Pearse McGinley felt that a maiden Connacht crown was just rewards for all his side’s hard work. 

“I am absolutely thrilled with that. That was the best performance of the year by a mile. We knew coming in here that the lads were ready. They wanted it and they gave it everything.

“We were in a couple of times and could have got more but they were outstanding to a man today. They deserve every bit they get. The work those boys have put in this year has been phenomenal,” the proud manager concluded.