The outcome of last weekend’s Roscommon SFC semi-finals has created a unique final pairing, with neighbouring clubs Clann na nGael and Padraig Pearses meeting and the two Currans – managers Paul and Shane – going head to head.
After his side’s great win over Roscommon Gaels, jubilant Padraig Pearses manager Shane Curran said the team’s excellent display was down to the players themselves and not to any special formula from management.
“It was the players that did it out there today. We prepared well but when the players go out on the field it is down to them and they played really well out there today.
“They have done everything we asked of them…they took ownership of their performance today. We are delighted to have won this game here today and beaten a good Roscommon Gaels team.”
Equally thrilled at the final whistle in the day’s other semi-final was Clann na nGael manager Paul Curran, who had just seen his charges defeat the mighty St. Brigid’s.
“I am thrilled that we got over this test today. I know that it is only a semi-final but it was all about winning and we have beaten a magnificent team there today. St Brigid’s have been magnificent champions.
“We prepared well for this. We came out of what was a very difficult group and remember that the two teams who did not qualify, Western Gaels and St Faithleach’s, have been in county finals in recent years, so the standard was very high.”
Curran acknowledged that Clann had missed a number of chances which almost jeopardised their prospects of what ultimately was a sensational win.
“We have been playing well in all our games and creating a lot of chances but we’re not finishing them well. Even today we missed a few chances but thankfully we took enough to win it in the end.”
Paul Curran said Clann would celebrate their famous win and then “during the week” begin preparing for the challenge of meeting Padraig Pearses in the final.
Last word to Shane Curran, the former Roscommon, Castlerea and St. Brigid’s star player who has made an impressive start to his career in management.
He told the Roscommon People: “We were underdogs out there today and we responded to that well. After today, teams will be watching out for Pearses, but that’s good, and that’s what football is all about. We have a huge challenge now. We will be underdogs in the county final as well.”
Let the build-up begin!
