Plenty to Be Proud of Despite Semi-Final Disappointment

There is no getting away from the disappointment of losing a county semi-final, particularly by such a narrow margin after extra time. Players, management and supporters alike will be gutted to have come so close, but that’s championship hurling. We’ve enjoyed some great days together over the past few years, and we know that the disappointments are part and parcel of the game too.
However, this result should not overshadow what has been another terrific season for St Gabriel’s.
The club secured both the Intermediate League title and the Division One League title this year, adding further silverware to an already impressive record. Having won the last two Senior Hurling Championships, St Gabriel’s went into this year’s campaign hoping to make it three in a row. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be, but it takes nothing away from what this group of players has achieved.
Manager Neil Rogers, together with his management team of Eoin Kelly, Paddy Mullally, Frankie Tierney and Tadhg Linnane, deserve enormous credit for preparing the team, not just for this semi-final but throughout another long and demanding season.
The commitment required from players and management to compete at this level, week in and week out, should never be underestimated. Training nights, matches, travelling and all the sacrifices that go with playing senior club hurling here in London demand a great deal from everyone involved.
A special word of thanks also goes to the entire playing panel, including those who may not have seen as much game time as they would have liked but whose contribution at training and throughout the campaign was every bit as important to the team’s success.
Congratulations to Sean Treacy’s on their victory, and we wish them well in the county final.
There will be time to reflect on what might have been, but there is also plenty to look forward to. This group has given St Gabriel’s some wonderful days, and there is every reason to believe that more lie ahead.
We’ve enjoyed the good days; we’ll take the disappointment of this one, and we’ll come back ready to go again next year.
That’s the nature of club hurling, and that’s the spirit of St Gabriel’s.