“Kenny has a brilliant way of getting a tune out of us”
Rathgormack Manager Kenny Hassett shows his delight at the final whistle included are Francis Halpin and Richard Power.
Rathgormack goalkeeper Paudie Hunt had young son Dáithí in his arms as Willie Hahessy raised the Conway Cup aloft on Sunday. He is turning into a good luck charm for the green and red.
“He is two years old,” Paudie explained. “He is well used to us winning county titles. We’ve been lucky enough, he’s been at three finals and he’s seen three wins! It’s unreal. It’s a great feeling. Not many teams have done three in a row.” This bunch have turned three in a row despair into three in a row delight.
“To lose three was gut-wrenching. It was so tough. There was always a freshness, one new player or two new players every year, and they don’t care about losing. We had a panel of 30 there today; a couple of injuries. Cathal Crowch and Sean Hahessy went off injured. Mairtín Power only got his first start today in the final. There’s wicked competition.”
Defender Glen Power delivered a massive two-pointer in the second half when the champions needed it most. “It was hard to see it from where I was on the field! When I saw him lining up a shot I was fit to kill him! He was out on the sideline, outside of the right. Ah, it was an unbelievable score. Glen is capable of that. He’s been at wing-back the last two years, and he’s brilliant. Up and down the field all day. All the boys around the middle have serious engines.”
During his speech, Captain Willie Hahessy dedicated this latest victory to manager Kenny Hassett. “Kenny has a brilliant way of getting a tune out of us. Whatever game it is, he knows the right thing to say to us. He’s been with us four years now and just finds a way to get the best out of every player. We’re fortunate to have him. He’s a brilliant coach.”
A Munster championship win is the next target. They have come up short against St Joseph’s Miltown Malbay, Castlehaven and Dr Crokes in recent times. “It’s been a stumbling block the last couple of years,” Hahessy concedes. “We were unlucky not to get a result against Crokes. We’re away against Éire Óg and I’m sure they were here watching us. Definitely, we’re looking to get a scalp in Munster.”
