‘A nice way to end a good year for Sligo football’
A very nice way to end a good year for Sligo football....that’s how manager Kevin Walsh summed up the county’s junior All-Ireland win over Kerry at Pearse Stadium on Saturday. "A lot of these players would have been training and involved all winter with the seniors and it’s great for them," said Walsh.
The manager echoed the comments of captain Jason Farrell in his acceptance speech in acknowledging the different teams and individuals who had played their part in the campaign.
"There were a few very good individual performances, particularly with the weather and that’s what these things are all about-people can go out and show that they can handle pressure," Walsh maintained.
He praised David Maye’s free taking ability on a tricky surface.
"You couldn’t take any chances in those conditions. A slippy goal could have gone in, but in fairness our backs were well on top all day and the workrate of all of the players in covering back was very, very good," said the Sligo boss.
‘They never really looked like scoring another goal, bar the one they got. It’s been a good week. Bar the hype in the media about speculation (surrounding his own future) we would not have even announced that for another month, but that’s the way it goes.
"We had to be sure that we were all very happy to go forward and that we had full commitment from selctors, the backroom team, the whole lot and we go forward as a group. In the past week we got it confirmed and it’s great," Walsh added.
"It’s the first time since 1935 Sligo has won an All- Ireland title. They are hard got. Even getting to the final is difficult but when you do get to the final you have to make sure you win it. I think we were actually going better towards the end," he said.
Asked if some of the players involved would feature in Division Two of the National League next season, Walsh replied that it was totally down to individuals themselves.
" We’re certainly going to give everyone a chance. It’s up to them to show how much they want it. A few boys gave very good individual performances and let’s hope they can bring it on from there," the manager concluded.
