Constant hails his side’s work-rate
REACTION
Daire Walsh
BLARNEY UNITED manager Greg Constant believes the work ethic of his side was the key to a history-making triumph over St Kevin’s Boys in the FAI U17 Challenge Cup final at Dalymount Park last Saturday.
Despite coming under intense in a gripping conclusion – which saw three players red-carded for off-the-ball confrontations – Blarney held onto the lead created by Michael O’Mahony in the opening period.
“We stuck to our guns, we thought we were the better side in the first half.
“The goal just before half-time paid off and I thought we deserved to win it in the end.
“Okay, they had a goal disallowed at the end. Maybe it was a bit harsh, but you win some and you lose some of those decisions,” a jubilant Constant remarked after the game.
“Delighted with the lads, the work-rate has been great all year.
“They’re an honest bunch of lads and they work so hard. They dug in, dug deep.
“They have talent, but I always say to them hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
While he is the man who brought Blarney to the promised land of a national title, Constant is quick to acknowledge the roles played by his predecessors – as well as that of fellow coaches Seamus Ring and Karl Murphy.
“It’s a great day for the club. It’s only our second ever FAI Cup final.
“It’s a great day for all the managers that have gone previously before. These guys have coached them well.
“Myself, Seamus and Karl came in this year, took it over. Got them believing in themselves.
“They had a bad season last year, but they really believed in themselves this year. This is the end product.”
Although they encountered increased scrutiny as the final whistle approached, Blarney’s strong emphasis on defence paid rich dividends. This eventually secured a success that Constant feels can be celebrated throughout the county and not just at their club base of O’Shea Park.
“We went five at the back. We knew the elements were tough [in the second half] and it meant we were up against them. They’re a good footballing side, but I think they started running out of ideas. We stuck to our guns and we are where we are. We’ll enjoy this one.
“It’s good for Cork soccer to come up to Dublin and win, 100%. It doesn’t happen too often. Everything was against us, they’re playing in their back yard today.
“Dublin referees, everything. Delighted with the lads. They deserve it, they worked hard all year,” Constant added.