'We've been seen as the Mayo of Roscommon'

November 22, 2019

Padraig Pearses' Niall Daly with Mark Healy and Paul Gleeson of Roscommon Gaels. ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon.

Niall Daly says it's a relief for everyone involved with Padraig Pearses to have finally rid themselves of their bridesmaids' tag.

The Woodmount-based club had lost seven Roscommon SFC finals before claiming the Fahey Cup for the first time following a 2-10 to 1-10 victory over Roscommon Gaels in last month's final.

They subsequently beat Tourlestrane of Sligo and London kingpins Tir Chonaill Gaels to qualify for Sunday's Connacht club SFC final against back-to-back All-Ireland champions Corofin.

"We've been seen as the Mayo of Roscommon club football which is not a good thing really," the county star told RTÉ.

"So just to get over the line on the day in the final was huge. Even the end of the game, I think we were nine points up at one stage and we let them come back into it and just held on really. It was a huge weight off the shoulders. 

"In the back of your mind, you'd always be hoping that you’re on the team that will go down in history as the first to win. The Niall Finnerans, the Sean Fahys, the Mossie Dolans, the older boys, they were involved in most of them so it was tough for them and it was huge when we got over the line for them especially." 

The eldest of the four Daly brothers on the Pearses team added: "Then beating Tourlestrane, just about getting over them. I know the scoreline probably doesn't say that, but we probably got one or two fortuitious goals. 

"The London trip really brought the club together. There was a huge crowd over there. In a funny way there were people over there that wouldn't be at a match in a club pitch! But it's been brilliant."


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