Watergrasshill boss Eddie Enright: Going to Croker means the world to us

Watergrasshill manager Eddie Enright was a happy figure after his side’s victory over Carey Faughs of Antrim in the All-Ireland IHC club semi-final at Páirc Tailteann on Sunday afternoon.

The Imokilly side had too much quality for their opposition as the Hill won on a scoreline of 1-21 to 0-8 to book a trip to Croke Park for what will be a special occasion.

The team in red and white will meet Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry of Galway in the decider on Sunday, January 12.

This year's Cork PIHC winners and Munster champions are in uncharted territory but for Enright, it’s all about the process, game by game. A cliché that is well worn at this stage, but something that works.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the win,” the former Tipperary hurler said post-match.

“There has been a massive effort put in by everyone in the club. Semi-finals are always tricky, but we had a great attitude today and brought the physicality to the game. Those things are important because we know how good Carey Faughs can be. I think we went at it in the right way.

“We were playing against the wind in the first half and it took us a good while to settle but Seán Desmond’s goal came at the right time. It was a tough wind to play against but I thought we created plenty of chances.

“We could have panicked early on but we just kept doing the same thing that we have been doing all year. We stuck to our principles. I think we were up nine points at half-time and came out at the start of the second half and tacked on three points and that gave us a strong lead. We maybe got sloppy after that and maybe a few bad habits came into our play at the end. But, we are thrilled with the win for the players and the lads that came on.” 

These are great times for Watergrasshill. They have Senior A hurling to look forward to next season, but a chance to win their first All-Ireland title would cap off a majestic campaign.

“We have been dreaming of going to Croke Park and for a small place, this means the world to the people of Watergrasshill. It means the world to the group. Hopefully it will have an impact long-term too.

“The support we got here today was just brilliant. I say the majority of the village was here, a three-hour journey for a 1 o’clock match on a Sunday. It’s incredible the effort our supporters are making. They have really gotten behind this team. They understand the effort that the players are putting in.” 

Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry of Galway stand in Watergrasshill's way of All-Ireland glory in four weeks’ time.

“We have lots of homework to do over the next few weeks. We are looking forward to it. We will enjoy tonight first and get back to work after that as we were purely focused on the game today.” Enright concluded.