"We stood up when it mattered" – Byrne
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Portroe captain Robert Byrne lifts the Fr Hewitt Cup presented by competition sponsor Jim McLoughney Menswear in the presence of North Board Chairperson Brendan Shanahan (a proud Portroe clubman). 8 brigdbridget delaneyImage 2 of 2
PORTROE’S FAB FIVE - Portroe won the North Intermediate Final on Saturday with five players involved playing at adult level for the past 20 years since emerging from minor ranks in 2006. Robert Byrne acknowledged this fabulous achievement during the victorious speech (from left) Justin Conroy, Mark Gennery, John Sheedy, Michael Creamer and Colm Gleeson. Gearoid and Louise Gennery (Mark Gennery’s children) are holding the Fr Hewitt Cup along with Adam Gleeson (son of Colm Gleeson). 8Photos: Bridget Delaney bridget delaneyBy James Hayden
Portroe captain Robert Byrne was a proud man after leading his side to a deserved victory over Newport in a thrilling Jim McLoughney-sponsored North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Final at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh on Saturday evening.
Lifting Portroe's fifth North title in the grade, Byrne paid tribute to the character and resilience shown by his teammates as they withstood a fierce late Newport rally to bridge a 36-year wait for divisional honours.
"We really stood up there in the last ten minutes," Byrne began.
"When the goal went in for Newport towards the end, we looked at each other and knew exactly what we had to do. We had to grind it out. It was a great battle, but we never gave up, and I think we really stood up when it mattered most."
Portroe enjoyed a two-point advantage at the interval after playing against the breeze in the opening half, and Byrne felt their meticulous preparation over the previous fortnight played a huge part in their success.
"We knew exactly what Newport would bring,” he added.
"We prepared really well over the last two weeks. During the first week we analysed Newport's semi-final performance, and then we put that to bed and focused entirely on ourselves.
“We knew it was going to be a huge battle, but we've put in a massive body of work over the last six months and that showed out there today."
The Portroe skipper was also full of praise for the experienced management team, whose knowledge and commitment helped guide the club back to North glory.
"You only have to look over at the sideline and see John Sheedy, Liam Sheedy, John Carroll, Noel O'Halloran and Paul O'Callaghan. They've all worn the jersey and they've all been there before. They always talked about leaving the jersey in a better place, and that really drove us on,” he said.
"We also thought about the lads who have given everything to this club over the last twenty years – John Sheedy, Colm Gleeson, Michael Creamer, Mark Gennery and Justin Conroy. They have soldiered for Portroe through thick and thin, and in those closing ten minutes they were the people we were thinking about. That's what gave us the extra drive to get over the line."
Byrne reserved special praise for the outstanding Sam Madden, whose superb tally of eight points, including six from play and two magnificent sideline cuts, proved instrumental in Portroe's victory.
"Sam was unbelievable again today," Byrne said with a smile.
"His shooting is phenomenal. Try marking him in training – you just can't get near him. His confidence is sky high at the moment and when Sam is playing with that confidence, he's as good as anyone around."
With the North title secured, Portroe can now turn their attention towards the county championship, where they face Kilsheelan/Kilcash, Clonoulty/Rossmore and Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams in the group stage. Judging by Saturday's display, Byrne and his teammates will carry plenty of belief into the campaign as they look to build on a memorable divisional triumph.