In Gaelic football, the weight of relegation can loom large over a club, but Tinryland have managed to avoid the drop this season.
The Carlow side secured their place in the 2025 championship by defeating Clonmore in Saturday’s relegation final. Former Carlow player and Tinryland stalwart Shane Redmond spoke with KCLR after the game, expressing both his relief and renewed hunger for success.
“I’m a delighted man. The initial emotions are just a lot of relief, it’s been a tough year,” Redmond admitted. “We just struggled, all through the year, just struggled to get going. We turned a bit of a corner, and, kind of reflecting on it now, it’s just a pity for us the year’s over because it was by far the best performance all year.”
Tinryland’s season was defined by inconsistency, and the threat of relegation hung over them like a storm cloud. Their victory over Clonmore has given them a chance to reset and refocus for the next campaign. Redmond’s sentiments reflected a determination to avoid being in the same position next year.
“You’re mad for football again after a performance like that,” he continued, noting how the team seemed to find their stride when it mattered most. “We’ll have to bide our time now over the winter and make sure we’re not in the same position ever again.”
The victory marks a turning point for the team, and the experience of fighting off relegation could serve as valuable preparation for a stronger campaign next year.
For more in-depth interviews and analysis, including Shane Redmond’s full post-match comments, tune in to KCLR’s Post Match Podcast, available now on all major podcast platforms.