‘Our motto is if we get a goal we close up shop we won't concede’
KILMESSAN SHIELD REACTION
These are busy days for Conor Gilsenan. As well as filling in as a goalkeeper for Trim Celtic the big man is also chief netminder, and sometimes outfield player, for St Michael's as they look to make an impact in the Meath GAA Intermediate Football Championship.
On Saturday he was on soccer duty minding goals for Trim Celtic as they defeated close rivals Parkvilla in the Kilmessan Shield final. Next weekend he's be on duty for the Saints as they take on Walterstown in a crunch IFC encounter. It's what you have to do when you are in demand.
Last year Gilly, as he is known to colleagues, wrote his own chapter in the history of Trim Celtic when he saved a penalty in the last minute of the Leinster Junior Cup final against Gorey Rangers. His team won 1-0.
On Saturday he was busy also making smart saves including one at the end when he deflected an Eoghan Heavey effort that looked like it might earn Parkvilla the equaliser they so desperately sought. Once again Gilly saved the day.
Some years ago the 'keeper walked away from soccer but was persuaded to pick up the baton once more. On Saturday Gilsenan was counting his blessings for all sort of reasons. "I'm very lucky to be involved today, Danny Connell played most of the Kilmessan Shield games but he picked up an injury. Only for Danny in the semi-final and some wonderful saves he made we wouldn't be here today."
Gilsenan spoke of "the want" in the team to win, that gritty desire to hold onto a lead. That was on display too on Saturday especially after Conor Walsh was sent off in the second-half. The dual 'keeper talked also of how his own current run with the Hoops is part of an unexpected bonus - and he outlined the lengths he has to go to in order to take his place on the pitch.
"I got a back injury in work in 2018. I had retired from football, but I missed the game so much I started getting injections to get me through games and I'm actually having surgery on the 23rd September so this could be the final year for me playing football so let's hope it's a good one."
He's not surprised Trim Celtic keep on winning. The team he adds, is full of talented players, who "find a way to win" in most situations.
"If we have to play horrible football, everybody behind the ball, we'll do it. Our motto is if we get a goal we close up shop we won't concede. It's great to see Ger Murray back in the team. He worked tremendously hard to get back from a cruciate injury. He just shores up our defence with Fitzy (Sean Fitzgerald) and the others. The fight in this team is amazing and I've played with a lot of teams over the years."
Robbie Horgan spoke emotionally about how proud he is to manage of this group of players. ""These boys don't know how to lose, simple as. They dug in like they always do," he said. "Over the last two-and-half years they have won six trophies and we're in the running for a couple more."