Loughmore climb back up the hill
By Shane Brophy
To get back to one county final a year after an agonising defeat is an achievement, to do so on the double is a remarkable feat of mental fortitude for Loughmore/Castleiney as they aim to go a step further than 2020.
To fall a point short against Kiladangan (hurling) and Clonmel Commercials (football) would have broken many a team but not Loughmore/Castleiney who are back, just sixty minutes away from county glory, and to do so is an achievement in itself admitted manager Frankie McGrath.
“You have to start at the bottom rung of the ladder and climb your way back up,” he said of the road back.
“We had an outstanding season last year, only to fall short at the final hurdle by a whisker. It was tough to take at the time, but it was a fantastic season.
“That confidence from last year is still within the team. Okay there is a little bit or hurt there that we just got pipped but that is not the driving force; the driving force for us was a brand new season and an opportunity to right this years history over the next couple of weeks which is what we are endeavouring to do.
“If what we can produce what is needed to win the big trophies, that’s great but we’ll still have a little bit of history to write regardless.”
To find that extra inch, Loughmore/Castleiney have been trying everything, including bringing on board former Laois footballer and Kilkenny hurling coach Michael Dempsey as an advisor.
“Michael has fantastic experience and that is what it is about,” Frankie said of his role.
“We are no different to Sarsfields, they went in that direction too for a little bit of experience. So what does it do? It is an extra pair of eyes. The vast experience he has of being involved in the game for so many years at the top level so Michael was available and he is giving us a hand out and we are thrilled to have a man of that experience giving us a dig out.”
Loughmore’s recent record against Thurles Sarsfields isn’t good, including a nine-point defeat in the Mid final last August, however, Frankie McGrath admitted his side are in a much better place than they were then.
“A Loughmore/Sarsfields game will always be a hell of a contest,” he added.
“Back earlier in the year, we knew the type of season that was ahead of us where we were saving a bit of energy, a small little bit, but it was one of those calculated occasions where Sarsfields where a little bit ahead of us at the time, maybe having done a little bit more hurling than we were as we had a little bit of football going on at that time as well.
“That is all water under the bridge. None of that will play into the next day, which is just two big teams going at it hammer and tongs and may the best team win.”
Loughmore were missing Liam McGrath that day who has returned from Australia but look set to be without his cousin Brian, who sustained a broken thumb on his right hand three weeks ago and in any other circumstances wouldn’t have a chance of playing but if he doesn’t, it won’t be used as an excuse.
“When Brian wasn’t there, that was an opportunity for another chap to step in,” Frankie added.
“That is the modern day and what the panel is about. We are not underestimating Brian, who was having an outstanding season, but it was a nice little handicap to be without him,” he said of beating Borris-Ileigh in the semi-final.”