2016 WAS AN incredible year for Slaughtneil, winning Ulster titles in both football and hurling, as well as camogie, making for an historic treble for the Derry club.
How and ever, 2017 is shaping up to be even better.
The footballers today booked their St Patrick’s Day All-Ireland final date in Croke Park, as they beat Diarmuid Connolly’s St Vincent’s by two points.
His marker Chrissy McKaigue didn’t give the Dublin star an inch, as he put on a heroic performance and was a major contributing factor to his side’s success.
With four points under his belt from centre-half back and a Man of the Match display, McKaigue can’t let his focus turn to the football final in Croke Park just yet though, he has another job to take care of.
One of the eight dual players and the hurling side’s captain, his attention now turns to their All-Ireland semi-final on 25 February.
“It’s one step at a time, every game seems to be bigger than the last,” he told TG4 after the game as he collected his individual accolade.
We’ve the full emphasis on the hurling now. I’ve to get back to having the hurl in my hand, I’m not sure how that’ll go but we’ll give it a lash anyway.”
McKaigue was delighted with his side’s performance, one which saw them come from a point behind at half-time in a tough decider to edge past the Leinster champions.
“That’s what you expect when you get to this stage. The hunger is there this year, we keep talking about the heart of 2014.
“To beat a team like St Vincent’s was a massive test as people said, and it turned out that way. We don’t mind how we get over the line as long as we do, and thank God we did today.
“They have some fantastic players and sometimes the best-laid plans don’t always work. But luckily today they did. I thought our forwards moved quite well today. It’s quite a tight pitch, maybe it wasn’t a forwards game but as a defender I’m happy enough with that.”
A notable individual tally from centre back, as well as his stellar performance were some of the talking points of the game, but when praised for his efforts, McKaigue’s modesty shone through.
“When the opportunity arises now with teams playing mass defence, you can find yourself getting on to play. I’m just happy I finished a couple. I missed a couple too but hopefully I’ll get better for the next day.”
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Go on the dubs! Take that, "kingdom", or whatever ye call yerselves…
Well done Dublin great game.
Well done to the Tipperary minors and to the Dubs. Football just got interesting again!! :))
The jacks are back, well done Dublin fantastic team effort and thank fully we just edged a close game with Kerry.
Living as I do approx 3 miles from SAMs ancestral home I much prefer for the cup named after him to be temporarily resident in Dublin rather than Kerry. Well done the Dubs.
Well done to Dublin. They best team on the day & great comeback against us. To be the best, you got to beat the best
Bless the Dubs, O Lord we pray, keep them on their winning way. Bless the colours, worn with pride, from Ballybough to Stepaside. Bless the banners and the flags, not to mention all the gags. Bless Gilroy too, the uncrowned king, let his name around Croke Park sing. Bless Bernard Brogan in the square, kicking points from everywhere. Bless Cluxton too, that agile ace, who guards his goal with style and grace. Bless the man with all the go, the dashing, dauntless, Cullen yoo. Bless the fans, that faithful throng, keep their voices loud and strong. Bless next All-Ireland final day, be sure the Dubs will rule OK
Well done, damn ye!
McMenamin made some impact when he came on! Great performance by the Dubs, fully deserved to win! Coppers will be hopping tonight!
Gutted, but fair play to the dubs.They played to their potential, and we didn’t. Agus sin e.
Kerry will win I’d say, Dublin will be fair disappointed to come away with nothing, not even the minor!
What the hell was wrong with Cluxton? running down the tunnel and not joining in the celebrations and generally looking miserable after the match and in the hotel on the Sunday game…whats up there??
As much as I’d love a Dublin win, I think Kerry will be too clinical towards the end. Conditions have opened it up a bit though.
Gee Adrian!
Even from Kathmandu… I reckon you photo caption needs adjustment!
COME ON THE DUBS GREAT WIN