Three reasons why Glen Rovers beat Blarney: Fast start stood to new Senior A champions

1. WIND ADVANTAGE: 

Ultimately, Glen Rovers were able to make use of the wind provided by Storm Ashley in the first half, and their opponents couldn’t make it count in the second.

Though Blarney did come alive for a brief period in the final quarter where they brought the gap from 11 points down to five, they couldn’t stay in control. The Glen regained control and finished strongly.

2. DEAN BROSNAN: 

While Patrick Horgan understandably receives the plaudits for his tally of 2-6, it was Dean Brosnan, who scored four from play that was the Glen workhorse behind it all.

His movement, his composure, his work rate, and his two points against the wind when Glen Rovers were under pressure were game-changing. An inspired performance from an excellent captain.

3. EXPERIENCE:

While this was in many ways uncharted territory for the Glen, it never looked like it, and their experience as a team told all. Not only were Dean Brosnan and Patrick Horgan exceptional, but so too was Brian Moylan, whose distribution was phenomenal despite the challenging conditions. 

Eoin and Robert Downey made things difficult for Blarney at the back, while late change Stephen McDonnell and goalkeeper Cathal Hickey also put in impressive performances.

At the end of it all, Glen Rovers rose to the occasion. They had one objective from the start of the year, and they weren’t going to be stopped. Nothing else would suffice in making up for the hurt of last year.