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17th Mar 2019

We should appreciate this legendary Corofin team while we can

Niall McIntyre

We’re lucky to witness them.

Corofin won their third All-Ireland club final in a row on Sunday afternoon with an emphatic 2-16 to 0-10 victory over a talented Dr Crokes team.

From the moment Jason Leonard nailed a seventh minute bullet, the result was never in doubt as a beautifully united Corofin outfit cut swathes through the Dr Crokes defence at will.

By the end of it, it was a case of how many as Kevin O’Brien’s side played the ball around Croke Park like they would their own back garden. Every man working for the lad beside him, everyone bombing on in support, everyone on the same wavelength.

Crokes didn’t help their cause, kicking a number of poor wides but even at their best, they’d have struggled to match Corofin out there.

It really was a joy to watch these lads in full, glorious flight as they worked the ball up and down the field like few football teams have the ability to.

By the end of it, the majority of spectators left Croke Park wondering how many of the 32 county teams these lads would beat and indeed, why Galway don’t just line out with 15 Corofin men.

That could be a slight exaggeration now, but that’s how good these lads look.

Afterwards, their bullock in midfield Daithí Burke was named the man-of-the-match and it just sums up the talent of this team that he’s also one of the best hurlers in the country.

These lads have it every way.

He was interviewed by Micheal Ó Domhnaill of TG4 after the game and his humbleness epitomises the character of this Corofin team.

“It’s a special moment with a special team. I’m so happy to be a part of this team,” he began.

An excited bunch of Corofin players gatecrashed the interview seconds later, but Burke is just buzzing for the night ahead in Corofin.

“I can’t wait for tonight now, to be honest,” he said laughing.

Micheal Lundy’s captain speech was just as entertaining, with the half forward going the unusual length of calling for three cheers for the match officials.

There’s a man with his head screwed on looking for a few handy frees down the line.

This is it, fair play to ye boys, it’s been an incredible journey and I hope it keeps going,” he concluded.

What a team.

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