Pride And Glory For Coolderry History Makers
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Coolderry captain Brendan O'Meara lifts the Leinster trophy high after his side's four point victory over Oulart The Ballagh in Sunday's final at Nowlan Park. MT48226
ON a memorable day for not only Coolderry but Offaly hurling, the fired up and determined charges of Ken Hogan made precious little of their underdogs tag as a second half tour de force blew a fancied Oulart Na Ballagh out of the water. It was their maiden Leinster championship and it is one that is likely to never leave the memory of all in sundry.
Every man, woman and child from the rural parish seemed to be parked up in Nowlan Park and with a huge compliment of GAA gaels from other clubs in Offaly also there to show their support, there was a sense of immense pride from the county as a whole.
It was far from plain sailing on Sunday. Oulart put up a serious fight but in the end their 14 wides stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the measly five that Coolderry racked up.
There is no need for any complicated scenarios as to how Coolderry won. A team that pucks 14 wides in 60 minutes is always going to be threading on thin ice. This together with their under estimation of the Offaly champions proved critical in the end.
Wexford papers made for interesting reading last week when talks of All-Irelands and the surprise that Coolderry were in the final filled column inches. That didn't go unnoticed in Coolderry and indeed in various parts of Offaly. The internet is a powerful tool. Coolderry used it as added motivation but they hardly needed it.
Ken Hogan had them chomping at the bit. From the first minute of the game when Brian Carroll pointed as early as the 15th second to the last when they when the rearguard guided a Paul Roche free wide of the post, the Coolderry men stood up to the plate and delivered.
They never doubted themselves and despite going in as many peoples underdogs, they channelled that situation to their advantage and now stand proudly as Leinster champions for the first time.
They had heroes all over the field. Cathal Parlon once again delivered with 1-3 to his name, his goal one of sheer class to escape the attentions of four Oulart defenders and show the stick work to dispatch to the net.
Brian Carroll showed immense leadership qualities and his second half performance will rank as one of his best in a Coolderry shirt. Joe Brady once described by Ken Hogan as a "man mountain" lived up to his billing by been a colossus at centre back with the Oulart men finding no way through.
The three Corcoran brothers on the last line. Stephen in the goals showed nerves of steel by claiming five high balls in the first half alone while brothers Alan and Trevor contained the Oulart danger men. Trevor in particular was outstanding. His drives out of the back, his control and not to forget his intelligence all shone bright in a game made for him.
It was Parlon's goal in the 32nd minute that turned the game. Having been a point up at half time, his goal and points from the surrounding sharp shooters turned that solitary point advantage into a six point lead before the 40th minute.
Oulart couldn't pull it back and the Offaly men hassled and fought like men possessed. They hunted in packs and drove Oulart back on every opportunity.
A fully deserved first Leinster crown for the Coolderry men and once the celebrations die down they will be the first to realise how wide open the All-Ireland championship is now. They have as good a shout as anyone at this stage with Gort next on the horizon in the All-Ireland semi final on the 11th of February.
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