John has his Roy of the Rovers moment

By Shane Brophy

John McGrath has done a lot in his club and inter-county career but scoring a winning goal in a county final will rank right up there when he reflects on what he has achieved long after he hangs up his boots

“It’s special,” admitted goal-scoring hero.

“We are trying a long couple of years to get back to this and after the heartbreak of last year, it’s just massive for us. Looking around here and seeing the excitement, and we want to keep this run going for as long as we can because it is some enjoyment at the minute.”

John was on the end of a four-man move involving his brothers and cousins as they showed what Loughmore are all about, not dropping the head when Conor Ryan’s free fell short, instead ravenously looking for the turnover from where the winning goal came.

“It was between Liam and Brian who turned the ball over and they are the sort of opportunities you really need to go for and to kill off a team like Clonmel,” McGrath added.

“When you get those opportunities you really have to take them. Liam could maybe have fisted over a point but they are the things we have worked on, going for that kill when the chance when it comes and we finished it well.”

Having finally gotten over the line, any fatigue they might have had they won’t feel this week as they build-up to the hurling final replay against Thurles Sarsfields next Sunday, back at Semple Stadium.

“If you lose today the aches and pains are a lot more pronounced but lads will wake up tomorrow morning in great form and it makes a huge difference and we are looking forward to having another go at Sarsfields,” he said.