‘Whole village and whole parish are so proud of these young lads’ - Phelan
Billy Byrne and his family after Sunday's win Photo: Denis Byrne
THE Castletown minor hurlers were crowned county champions for the second year in a row after defeating The Harps by six points in Sunday’s final.
Manager Oisin Phelan praised the resilience his side showed throughout the season, especially after a difficult start. He said the victory belonged to everyone involved in the club.
“It's a fantastic feeling for the club and for the young lads. They've worked all year. We didn't have a great start to the year, but as I say, it's not how you begin, it's how you end, and these lads have shown their mettle.
“They've shown fabulous resilience and spirit the whole way along, and it's a proud day for the parish. For all their mothers and fathers, parents and guardians, brothers and sisters, and for the ones coming up along and for the next level up as well,” Phelan said.
Castletown trailed by one point with two minutes left in the first half, but The Harps struck for a goal and a point to lead by five at the break. Despite that setback, Phelan was confident his team had a big performance in them.
“Their purple patch began in the last ten minutes of the first-half. But we just came out with the lads, we faced hardship all year, and the lads just kicked it into gear, and they just did what we knew they could do,” he said.
Man of the Match honours went to corner-forward Tom Óg Phelan, who finished with an impressive 1-13. His manager was full of praise for the youngster.
“He's a fabulous young man, he's a great talent, great character, great leader. He brings every lad into him. I know on the score sheet alone, his individual might stand out. He brings other people into the game and other teammates into the game. He's a fabulous young lad; I can't speak highly enough of him,” Phelan said.
The manager also paid tribute to the entire panel, acknowledging the effort and pride shown by every player who took to the field.
“Everyone, not just if you're related to them. We all know these young lads, we've all seen them growing up through schools and everything. Everyone who came off, you see, half of them were limping coming off. They died with their boots on, they died with their hearts out. The whole village and the whole parish are so proud of these young lads,” Phelan ended.
