Sarsfields manager Johnny Crowley: we kept believing in ourselves

Victorious Sarsfields manager Johnny Crowley felt that his team’s composure was vital in fighting back in the second half to earn victory over Midleton.

Down by six points as half-time approached, they cut the deficit with scores from Cathal McCarthy and Aaron Myers. Crowley, who led the club to glory in 2010, hailed the way that the team’s belief never wavered.

“I think the two points before half-time were crucial,” he said.

“I know they got a point just after half-time and made it a five-point game but we really believed in ourselves and trusted ourselves.

“We never pulled the trigger or panicked. At half-time, we said to keep going through the channels, keep going through the lines, keep the pace and keep hurling.

“We are going to make mistakes, it’s a high-risk game and we are going to give away a few scores like we did in the first half but maybe we were a small bit more direct in the second half and we certainly penetrated them when we had to.

“I’m just so proud of the team and the management set-up – it’s about everyone. We’ve about 50 together and to have a result, to have something that’s so special for this group now.

“It’s like I said to the lads during the week, my county final is my friendship with them and that’ll never wane. Their county medal was in front of them today and they’ve got it now.”

Victory means that Sars beat the previous four champions en route – St Finbarr’s (2022) in the group stage), Blackrock (2020) in the quarter-finals, Imokilly (2017-19) in the semis and now Midleton (2021).

It was a case of once again showing their mettle.

“There have been question-marks out there, even up to this week, though I can’t understand where the question-marks are coming from!” Crowley laughed.

“They’re just a team that are never beaten. They keep working for each other, they keep fighting for each other, they keep trusting in each other. I’m so pleased for them, I really am.”

In praising a defence that didn’t concede a goal in the knockout stages, Crowley had special words for man of the match Cathal McCarthy.

“He’s an incredible talent, he really is,” he said.

“He’s such a happy young fella, he’s an amazing kid. Even after half-time, we were coming out and Cathal was the last fella. He just tipped me and said, ‘Keep smiling, Johnny!’ and that’s the kind of guy he is.

“That’s what he does, he brings a fantastic attitude.”

And of course, in the background was the fact that the late Teddy McCarthy, vice-chairperson of Sars up until his death in June of this year, was the man who coaxed Crowley back to the bainisteoir’s bib.

“It’s been emotional,” he said.

“Just the sheer fact that I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Teddy and to be here now, after winning the county, is so special.”