St Finbarr's selector Ian Keeler: We will dust ourselves down and go again next year

Despite the way in which St Finbarr’s lost the AIB Munster Club SFC final, selector Ian Keeler was proud of his players' efforts.

The Barrs were beaten by Dingle on a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-20 at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles on Sunday afternoon.

Conor Geaney nailed a two-point free right at the death after it was brought forward 50 yards after Dylan Quinn was adjudged to have impeded with the quick taking of the free.

Keeler wouldn’t be drawn into the decision that cost the Barrs a sixth Munster title.

“Obviously bitterly disappointed to lose like that at the end,” he said after the game.

“We played so well, you know, at the break we were five points up. In the second half then we didn’t allow the elements to kind of dictate the game, you know. We took the game to Dingle, defensively again our lads were outstanding, battled for every ball.

“Dingle are a quality side, they have some excellent forwards. I thought what happened there at the end, you kind of just try and reflect on it. When you see the referee moving the ball up 50 yards, with the wind behind you, like it’s very hard to miss. A very tough one to take for us.

“I don’t have much to say about the decision. Calls go for you and calls go against you, everything just happened so fast there at the end. It is what it is.” 

St Finbarr’s didn’t quite get the impact from the bench in the last 20 minutes in a period where the Barrs only kicked one point.

“It’s all about the collective. We were in a strong position. Everyone that played today gave it their all.

“It comes down to small margins there at the end. We are so proud of the lads. They left it all out there for the jersey.

“For long periods, we were the better team. All we can do is reflect on this as a microcosm of the year that has been wonderful. It has been a great year, won the league and won the county. 

"We went toe-to-toe with an excellent Dingle team in the Munster final. We wish them all the best in the All-Ireland semi-final.” 

Keeler had special praise for Steven Sherlock who kicked 0-16 including six two-pointers.

“Steven was outstanding in fairness. His two-pointers elevated us. We gave away a goal against the run of play. Other than that, we were great defensively. It just came down to a few decisions going down the stretch and it’s a tough one to take.

“Right now, we are down. Overall, the lads have been brilliant. We will dust ourselves down and go again next year.”