O'Sullivan: The players died with their boots on today

It wasn’t to be for St Finbarr’s senior camogie side as they lost out by two points in the replay of the AIB All-Ireland senior club camogie championship at FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday evening.

But despite the loss it has been a season where this Barrs side have been outstanding in winning their first Munster title and reaching their first All-Ireland final.

Manager Brian O’Sullivan was immensely proud of them, not just for their efforts in the final and replay, but for their efforts all through the season.

“I’m immensely proud of them, they’re a fantastic bunch, it's all about the players they've been absolutely fantastic all year,” said O’Sullivan.

“The lift they have given the club, each other and the management there, you couldn't fault them. 

"They died with their boots on today and unfortunately the result just didn't go our way on the day. 

"I don’t think they could have done anymore.”

The Barrs stormed into the third quarter with Sorcha McCartan leading by example with four points as they turned a two point deficit into a lead.

But even at that O’Sullivan never thought they were comfortable and knew there was a kick in Athenry.

“We never thought we were comfortable, that's not the way we play anyway. But in fairness to the girls, they rallied at half-time, they put on an excellent performance and Athenry came back, which we were expecting too.

“You know a couple of decisions maybe went there way, but no excuses from us. It's Athenry’s day and they well deserved the victory.

“But credit to our girls, I've nothing but admiration for them and the way they've conducted themselves all year and just how they carry themselves, they’re an immense bunch.

“The time and effort that's been put in by everyone, the whole club, the committee over the past year has been unbelievable.

“Our management team and the players themselves they left no stone unturned and they gave themselves every opportunity to get here.

“I’ve nothing but sheer admiration and respect for them, the effort that they have put in, what we've asked them to do. 

"But as I said previously it's very much player driven. They were itching to get back out over the Christmas. I just can’t fault them.”

The pitch itself was a talking point and for anyone at the game or watching on TV it was obvious to see the line down the centre where one half has thawed out and the other was still more or less frozen.

Standing on it afterwards it was easy to see and feel how slippery that half was and difficult for players to turn easily on it.

“The players would tell you about that than me, but as I said we have no excuses. 

"It was the same conditions for both once the ball was thrown in. They adapted they are top quality goals players.

“It's not ideal, but you know it's January in fairness but we’re playing in Thurles and we just had to get on with it.”