Beaten but unbowed, Corcoran is proud of his history makers

Setanta manager, Adrian Corcoran, said he was not worried about the extent of the defeat in Ballinkillen on Sunday where the club was fielding a team in the championship for the first time in its history. 

He praised the players who togged out and said many of them are contributing to the club in many ways.

“It was important to put a team on the field and that is what we did. In fairness, we have been training. Many of the players are involved with coaching teams as well. They are a very committed group to the club and you cannot ask any more than that,” he stated.

“It is an historic day for the club. Fair play to them for coming together this year and putting in a team today day. We are up and running.” 

In the background, stories have circulated that the club lost up to ten minor players to Carlow Town this year. The Setanta manager agrees it has hurt.

“That is just the position we are in this year. We had a combined minor team last year but have a stand-alone under 16 team. The idea, is that in a few year’s time, they will be there to come on. At the moment, we don’t have too many young lads. It is what it is,” Corcoran admits.

The game got away from Setanta early on. Marty Dalton scored 2-5 for the winners over the hour. According to Corcoran, his players manned up in a tough situation.

“In fairness, Ballinkillen are a very strong junior side. You would not expect anything else from the clubs in Carlow. They put their best foot forward and hurled really well. They were sharp and took their scores. They were tight at the back. A tough introduction on the scoreboard but there is plenty to learn in our first championship game,” he said.

Setanta play their second Championship game, and first at home, against Bagenalstown on Thursday evening.