‘We were training when everyone else was out having drinks’ - Crossmolina rejoice after All-Ireland semi-final win over Caragh

THERE were happy faces all around after the final whistle. An ‘over the moon’ Brian Benson was most impressed with the players’ work rate across the full 60 minutes.

“We came out of the traps fairly quick, and we were relentless right until the last minute, that’s what we asked for,” began the Crossmolina manager.

“We asked could we get a 60-minute performance. Because we know, in spells, we’ve played good for 30-40 minutes. But the lads, in fairness, they know that won’t win you games at this level, so we had to put in a 60-minute performance.”

Benson hailed the team for their work rate in training as well, especially during the long six-week breaks between the Connacht final and this All-Ireland semi-final.

“The break was difficult to manage. Obviously, there is family and a lot more distractions. But in fairness, all of the lads were exemplary over the Christmas. We’ve trained really hard, we were out Stephen’s Day, we were out New Year’s Day, when everyone else was out having a few drinks or whatever. It’s a brilliant feeling for these boys to get to Croke Park.”

The hard work paid off on the rock-solid ground in Longford. The game was hanging in the balance until Saturday morning. Midfielder and county star Jordan Flynn praised the efforts from the host club to get the pitch match-ready.

“It’s a credit to Longford. The state of the pitch was absolutely class. It wasn’t a slow game of football. It was fast moving, your feet were going with you, nothing was stopping so it’s a credit to them and how they keep it. It’s great. When you get a hard pitch at this time of year you won’t complain.”

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

FLYNN also emphasised the immediate impact of his captain Mikie Loftus, who returned to the starting fifteen with a bang.

“There is one scene that sticks in the first half, the way he just fired himself on the ground. The pitch is hard, I’m sure he’s sore after it, he just threw himself down to win the ball. It’s just a testament to him. I remember I was in the gym with him and he was doing the most boring exercises ever, to try and get his hip right, just to be playing and just to be training with us.”

Flynn, who has played in three All-Ireland finals with Mayo between U-20 and senior, reaching a national final with his home town club is extra special.

“You won’t play for your county if you don’t play for your club and this is a club that I love. I have a little brother standing there and another one somewhere else, to show them what can happen if you just dig in. It’s going to be class.”

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Sharpshooter Fionán Duffy, who won an U-21 All-Ireland title with Mayo in 2016, acknowledged the task that lies ahead next Sunday.

“It’s going to be a tough battle,” Duffy told The Mayo News. “All-Ireland finals are never easy and it’s going to be extremely hard but finals are there to be won and we’re going to give it as best a shot we can.”