Declan Hogan relieved but extremely proud after Tullamore complete three in a row

FOR the third year in a row Declan Hogan stepped up alongside his fellow joint captain Michael Brazil to accept the Dowling Cup following Tullamore's dramatic late victory over Ferbane in Sunday's final.

It was a game that looked to be slipping away from them in the closing stages when Tullamore fell a goal down with four minutes to go, so what were his initial feelings in the aftermath of the final whistle.

“Oh look, relief. Relief is the big word that comes to mind. We were put to the pin of our collar there but we knew coming in it was going to be tight anyway. Look I must say I'm really really proud of all the boys. 1 to 37 I think we had on the panel there today, including lads on the extended panel, and you know we needed massive impact there off the bench and that's been our mantra all year really. The guys that start work really really hard and then let the finishers come in then and do their job and we've had massive impact off the bench I think in all of our games so unbelievable.

“I think the monkey off the back was the big one nearly last year, the two in a row, and if I'm honest about it I think you could almost feel the weight off the shoulders after that and this year it became about just enjoying football. That was the message the whole year, train hard but let's enjoy the games. Because you know training has gone as hard as ever for club guys these days, there has to be enjoyment there and we're a very tight-knit group There's a good bond there, good unity and togetherness and that's what it's all about. That's what the club game is all about. But just on today, delighted to go over the line and the circumstances I suppose were, it was hard to bounce back but great to go over the line.”

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That Ferbane goal with four minutes to go was the first goal Tullamore had conceded in the last three finals.

“That's something I wasn't aware of. We would pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets and to be honest, just the way the game was panning out, it looked like Ferbane were always going to need a goal. They got the goal, but I'm also really, really proud of how the boys responded and that's no coincidence, you know. We kept our heads and I think the experience of the last couple of county finals we've been in, definitely 2023 stood to us as a wet, sort of windy day. So, you know, there wasn't even a mention of that really before the game today. We were fully comfortable. If it was 30 degree heat or if it was windy and wet, we were comfortable, ready to go either way.

“It's a testament to the boys again for the resolve I think they showed there in the last couple of minutes when they could have gone against us. We tipped over a couple of scores. Harry came good on the frees. But I'm coming to expect that with Harry Plunkett. He's an elite level free taker and he's excellent from play as well. He kicked a wonderful two-pointer there as well to put us two up I think. So all in all, really, really happy with the display and any day you win a county final is a good day.”

Only three points down at half time having played against the wind, Tullamore were in a good position heading into the second half.

“We were happy enough that we felt we controlled a good bit of the game and you know Ferbane sat deep which we probably weren't expecting and you know I thought we controlled things fairly well there and we got a good bit of possession which proved to be crucial really in the end. Once we got that, we've got excellent ballplayers and we were comfortable on the ball around the middle third especially. That became a bit of a war zone there today but look I think all in all plenty to work on.
“Our second half performance I think if we were to be critical of your own performances at times, you know we left a lot behind us there and we left Ferbane back into the game I would say. There's no disrespect to them, they'll say they earned their way back into the game and they did. They got the goal that they needed but very, very happy with the way we responded and we got over the line, thank God.”

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Tullamore now face into a Leinster Club campaign with a game against The Downs on November 16^th and having done well last year they must be looking forward to that.

“Big time. We were disappointed after the Cuala game last year, make no mistake about it. I'll always remember our supporters clapping us off the pitch. It was a great moment but as players, we want to give the supporters more. We think there's more in us and I think we have a good squad there.

“But look, we'll enjoy the next couple of days. Luke Plunkett mentioned the mid-term break there so there's a couple of guys with a nice amount of days off to use so we'll use them wisely. But we'll be back on the train you could say maybe Friday or Saturday and we'll go from there. The onus is on us now to represent the county with distinction now and I've no doubt we will. We have a good group there. I think it's the Westmeath champions away. Every game in Leinster is a really, really tough test. But look, I think we'd be more than a match for anyone,” Declan said.

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