Diarmuid Healy on Lisgoold's triumph: All the players were savage out there

Lisgoold had some superb displays int their Co-op Superstores IAHC final replay win over Erin’s Own, but none more than Diarmuid Healy, who was named Player of the Game.

He has enjoyed success with Cork as well as his club and said that this win means everything to him and all involved with Lisgoold.

He even had a special mention for his mother who he said he heard several times during the match cheering him on.

“When they said last week that it was going to a replay it was sickening, but it makes it even sweeter, with the performance the boys put in there today,” said Diarmuid.

PUSHED ON

The start of the second half was a critical time when Lisgoold got six points in a row but he said even at that he knew it was far from over.

“It was crucial, but they never gave up. You know teams can have a proper patch, thankfully we got ours just after half-time and we pushed on, but as I said they never gave up. They were coming back the whole time and I thought it was going to go to extra time.

“I think the only time I said I knew it was over was when Patchy [John Cronin] hit that free out over the sideline.

I think the last 15 minutes is the slowest 15 minutes of my life. I was looking up the clock every second, but thank God the final whistle finally came.

“This win means a lot, this one is something special. We're bringing the cup back to the parish. Tonight is going to be class. Even walking in the tunnel and seeing everyone's faces was one of the best things I ever saw.”

Diarmuid also made special mention of his mum, Máire.

“The last day my mother didn't watch any of the match. She was in the tunnel with her eyes closed, head in her hands, but she said today she was going to watch it. 

And I could actually hear her a few times saying, ‘come on Diarmuid’. I knew it was her as she is the only one that calls me that, most call me Duds.”

On winning the Player of the Game award he was delighted but said it could have gone to any of the team.

“To get the award in the final is great, but you could have given to anyone there. It could as easily have been given to Cathal Hickey who came on at half-time, the whole team were savage.

“For now we are going to enjoy the celebrations and it will be a great few days in the parish."