Kilmeena players are ready and raring to go

By Aiden Henry

ON Sunday night, assisted by Mayo GAA County Board PRO John Walker and the club officials, Kilmeena held a media night ahead of their All-Ireland junior club football championship final on Sunday next (February 6) against Kerry's Gneeveguilla in Croke Park.

What was most striking about the quickly arranged press night was that all the focus for the Kilmeena club was mainly on winning the final. It came across loud and clear from the management, team members and club members that while they were so looking forward to be heading to Croke Park, all that mattered was winning the game.

Kilmeena qualified for the final in 2003 and came out second best on that occasion. Now what they want is to go one better this time – and nothing else. Another aspect of the night that was great to see was that not alone did PRO John Walker attend, but so too did county board chairman Seamus Tuohy. They were there to offer all their help and support to Kilmeena as they prepare for a very special game and occasion.

"On behalf of Mayo County Board, I want to congratulate Kilmeena on their wonderful achievement of qualifying for the All-Ireland final," said Tuohy. "I want to assure you the county board is here to help, support and assist you in whatever way we can as you get ready for your big day in Croke Park next Sunday."

LETHAL

As already alluded to, it was plain to see that winning Sunday’s final is what matters most for Kilmeena.

Speaking to two of their players, centre-back Stephen Staunton and lethal corner forward Darragh Keavney, it was very noticeable that while they were thrilled to be getting the opportunity of playing in Croke Park, winning the game is most important of all.

"Once the final whistle blew on Saturday it was hard to take in for some time that we had booked our place in the All-Ireland final," said Darragh. "It took a while for it to sink in. But when it did, the attention switched to the final. While it fantastic to get the opportunity to play in Croke Park, all we want is to win the final. Coming second best is no good. That is why our full concentration will be to prepare the best we can. There is just a short time to do that."

He continued: "To date it has been a real roller-coaster experience. We have just taken it one game at a time and never looked beyond that."

When asked if having the responsibility of being the team's free-taker put extra pressure on him, Darragh replied: "No." He said, in fact, that he felt it was an honour to be placed in that position. "It certainly does not and never has fazed me," he added. "It is a privileged position to be in as you are the one that is given the opportunity to take on a score which could in fact be match-winning. Taking frees from any side or angles is no bother at all."

DREAM

Meanwhile, centre-back Stephen Staunton was also quick to point out that reaching the All-Ireland final is a dream come through.

"When we started out in the Mayo championship, the number goal was to win the title and get back up to intermediate grade. It was far from an easy task. In the county final, Cill Chomáin really put it up to us and we were just delighted to get over the line. After that, everything else was going to be a bonus.

"While on paper we had two big victories in winning the Connacht title, I can tell you these were harder games than you might think. Again, in the All-Ireland semi-final, while we won well in the end, they provided us a much tougher game than you think.

"However, we are now in the final and to be honest it is hard to fully take in yet. It is just brilliant for the club, our supporters. Already there is massive excitement, flags and bunting everywhere, and everyone is just talking about the final. It will be a great occasion for everyone in the community. With the way things have been for the last two years with Covid, this occasion has just come at the right time for all out community.

"But besides all that, for us as players, what we want more than anything else is to win the final. While there will be a great buzz around all week, we will be keeping our heads down and just preparing for getting out on the pitch and putting in the best performance possible.

"It is a quick turnaround from the semi-final but I think that suits us as having to wait two or three weeks for a game can get too much into your head. "Bring on Sunday! That is just what we want now."