It has been a year unlike any other for Glenmore.
With the exception of a league final defeat to Thomastown, they have come through both the league and championship unscathed and are firm favourites for Sunday’s intermediate decider with St. Lachtain’s.
And despite many commentators giving St. Lachtain’s a slim chance at best, Glenmore manager Declan Wall insists that hunger will be the key ingredient for the winning side tomorrow.
“The team that will show the most hunger will be the team that wins tomorrow.
“If we see the same hunger as we have had throughout the league and championship and particularly that semi-final victory against Thomastown, we feel that we will have enough to win,” Wall said.
Comfortable victories against Dunnamaggin, Danesfort and O’Loughlin Gaels in the league meant the county finalists topped their group with a 100% record.
Wall insists that the league campaign was a crucial foundation builder for their championship success to date.
“The league gave us a good understanding of the players, firstly on an individual basis and also as a team.
“Our training has been good all year too and we have been really good throughout the year in both league and championship. I’m happy with the team and I know they’ll give everything to win tomorrow.”
There was surprise around the county when red-hot promotion favourites Thomastown lost to Wall’s well-organised side in a thrilling semi-final a fortnight ago.
The Glenmore manager explained the secret behind that famous victory.
“We went out there with a game plan and thankfully it came good. The players done exactly what we wanted them to do.
“I can’t give them enough credit and their concentration and focus throughout the year has been superb. If we stick with what we have been doing all year, we’ll be well-placed to give St. Lachtain’s a good game.”
He is also wary of the challenge that St. Lachtains’s will pose to his team.
“St. Lachtain’s are there on merit.
“We need to put in a really good performance to have any chance. They’ll be happy with the position that they are in and rightfully so.
“Our full attention is on this game and we want to match them. We’ll look at where they are strong and try to avoid letting them play into their strengths.”
