“It was good to get back in.”
Derry star Ciaran McFaul defends the decision for he and his Watty Graham’s Glen teammates to play against Kerry just six days after winning the Club All-Ireland.
McFaul, Conor Glass, and Ethan Doherty were crowned champions of Ireland just six days ago when they conquered Roscommon’s St Brigid’s team to win their first ever senior All-Ireland.
Many thought that they would Geta. longer break and maybe miss Derry’s opening game against Kerry, but Mickey Harte was happy to have them and for good reason as they won the match by a single point, with Glass and McFaul getting on the scoresheets themselves.
After the game the wing half forward was asked by RTE if it was a big decision to cut the celebrations short and join up with the Oakleaf county again.
“Not really to be honest,” admitted McFaul. “Any time you get the award to pull on a Derry jersey, you’re going to take it with open hands, so it was good to get back in with the boys.
“We knew how tough it was going to be coming down to Tralee, but thankfully we deserved it.
“We got a couple of days to celebrate but we were back in on Wednesday and it was good to shake off the cobwebs and get back at it again.”
Derry's Gareth McKinless and Ciaran McFaul are happy to come away from Tralee with the two points.
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When asked about what it was like to work with the former Tyrone boss, the All-Ireland champ admitted he hasn’t had much time with him, but he couldn’t hide his excitement either at the prospect of it.
“I’m only new to it, but Mickey needs no introduction, he’s a top man, he’s been there and done it, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Kerry were without both David and Paudie Clifford, so it’s fair to say that they weren’t at full strength, but it was probably more important for Harte to get the win, giving that it got his National League record with his new county of to a winning start.
Not only that, but the psychological benefit of beating the team that knocked Derry out of the championship last year was another added benefit as they are looking to keep building on the momentum they have gathered in recent years.
Related links:
- Mickey Harte gamble with Glen players pays off against Kerry, but just about
- Croke Park still recovering from damages caused by Storm Glass
- The three players Mickey Harte should immediately call up for Derry
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