Conroy hails character of players but warns that toughest test still awaits

Lahardane MacHales manager Eddie Conroy found it hard to find the words to explain what had been a rollercoaster of a Connacht semi-final in Castlebar on Sunday.

“I can’t describe that game. We never fully got going in the first-half and in the second, we were playing into a stiff breeze. We had to dig deep, and to come from five points down at one stage to get back into the game, just displays the character that is in this team. There is also great resilience in this panel of players.

“Everyone has bought into this project and what we are trying to do for the team and the club. I am delighted for every one of them (players) and also the community,” said Conroy who admitted he felt it harsh that Menlough had to exit the championship because of a penalty shoot-out.

“For me a penalty shoot-out is not part of Gaelic football and a replay would have been better for the two teams. However, they are the rules and we have to play by them and we are where we are now and will prepare for a Connacht final.” 

Lahardane already have experience of winning the Connacht junior championship having done so in 2017 just after they won the county title for the first time in their history. John Maughan was in charge then and now it’s Eddie Conroy who is hoping the club can regain the provincial prize.

“We are kind of used to the wet and windy conditions at this stage. We are in a Connacht final and this is where we want to be at this stage of the season.

“We found out during the final moments of extra-time that we were the only Mayo team left in the club championships and we wanted to put some pride back in Mayo football. I heard someone this week talking rubbish that we are cocky people in Mayo. We are not cocky and we don’t have to be cocky. We are from Mayo and we are proud to be Mayo people.

“We find ourselves in a Connacht final and we are going to look forward to it.” 

Originally from Charlestown but synonymous for his years spent playing with Breaffy and Mayo’s over-40s team, Eddie Conroy admitted to being wary of the threat that will be posed next time out by Sligo champions Owenmore Gaels.

“We can’t play as bad in the Connacht final as our first-half display today. However, if we display the same resilience and doggedness that we showed today, then we will stand a good chance. Sligo football is on the up and neither team will be the raging hot favourite going into the final. It will probably be the toughest battle that we have faced all year.

“After today we have four or five injuries and they will take time to heal.” 

The manager concluded by saying that days like last Sunday should be savoured and that he was grateful for the colour and noise that the Lahardane MacHales supporters brought to Mayo football HQ.

“Enjoy moments like this, as you never know what is around the corner. The lads will have a few pints tonight and then we are back on the training field next week.

“In the lead up to the Connacht final, no doubt the parish of Lahardane will be buzzing. As I said earlier, I am delighted for the community and they were here in force today to cheer us on to victory.”