Mooncoin’s Martin O’Neill says they want to win this weekend’s AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Final for their captain, Niall Madden.
Madden will miss the game at Croke Park against Cork’s Ballygiblin after picking up an injury in recent weeks.
O’Neill says they are determined to win it for their skipper.
“Niall is our captain, and he has been brilliant all year long. He was someone we were all looking up to. He is so calm on the ball no matter what was happening on the pitch.”
“He was always so calm, he is a great leader for us. It is a pity he won’t get to play with us, if anything though it will drive us on more. We are going to win it for him, get him up those steps, and lift that trophy for us. He deserves that.”
Whatever you will have been able to dream, you will be able to do
It is nearly every young child’s dream to get to walk out on the hallowed turf at Croke Park. Very few get to accomplish that, but this Saturday many of those childhood dreams will become a reality.
O’Neill seems to be relishing the opportunity
“It was always a dream to play in Croke Park. I never played it before, so it is an absolute privileged to get the chance. Just going playing with my friends in Croke Park, the bus up everything, it will be a great experience”
“For a lot of us, it is the first time being on the pitch in Croke Park. It is a great opportunity, doing it for the whole parish, our families, everyone shouting us on. I Can’t wait now”
The AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Club Championship finals get the action underway on Saturday, February 5th, with the first game of the double header throwing in at 3pm. Cork champions Ballygiblin take on Mooncoin of Kilkenny in the Junior showpiece, and the Cork outfit come into the game following a comprehensive win over Manchester’s Fullen Gaels in the All-Ireland semi-final. Mooncoin, meanwhile, defeated Salthill-Knocknacarra in their All-Ireland semi-final clash to tee up an interesting final this weekend.
Live coverage on KCLR will be brought to you with thanks to Blanchfields Centre, Mooncoin.
