Talking Rugby with John Mulligan
Incredible isnt it? Life has an amazing way of turning around and telling you that "its finally your turn" after years of wondering what has to be done to finally make that breakthrough. And This week my friends I am honoured to be witness to both Castlebar and Creggs making that breakthrough.
Let me explain, I was there on a misribale day a few years ago when Castlebar came so close to qualifying for the league final. A day when the difference between winning and defeat was the width of a goalpost. I remember that day especially because i sat outside Ray's in Castlebar totally deflated. In pieces because those guys - My friends and clubmates - had gone so close after such an incredible year only to be denied by two inches if that. I sat outside basicially crying like a five year old when i was dragged back in by two ladies i know quite well. All that could be done was to sit back and somehow try and get to grips with the dissappointment and get ready for the following year. Then the following year Castlebar were on the verge of club glory when incredibly in front of a packed Corinthian Park. Castlebar went Agonising close again only to be told the game was over and the ball duly put into the Atlantic. But the ref said no it was play on.
This happened five times in a row and then awarded a penalty which was converted to give Corinthians a one point win. Eight minutes of injury time and another loss. I dare the old boys brigade in Galway to explain that one!
Monents like that have been and gone and the same old soldiers have come back like oliver twist and asked for more. Sometimes at risk to body and probably mind.
Well those soldiers today can hold their heads high. Players like Ruairi Hughes, Christy Cusack, Paddy Durcan and Alex Goor who have played like their lives depended on it can now walk down the street and can be feted like any one else in the town for these gentlemen are winners and deserve all the credit that is put on them. People like Damien Glackin, Ger Prendegast, Simon O'Malley and Paul Coady who have put heart and soul into the team. But this title goes to every player in recent times who did their bit for the club. I am not going to name names, that would be unfair. So many players have given heart and soul to the cause and for some reason could not do it. This is also their crown. |
