Detailed planning works wonders for Durrigan

MANAGERS VIEW

To win any title a lot of planning is needed - and St Vincent's weren't found wanting on Saturday. The day had dawned blustery and shortly before the JFC final got underway the rain started to sweep in over Pairc Tailteann, blowing from the hospitial towards the town end.

The St Vincent's management had looked at the forecast and made plans accordingly. If they won the toss they had planned to play against the wind. If they lost, well then they would have to work with whatever decision Dunsany made.

Captain Ryan Hand won the toss and St Vincent's could put in place the strategy they had carefully worked out. "It was something we had in our plan, that if we won the toss we would play against the wind and set up in a particular way," he said soon after his team had done the business and added the Peter McDermott Cup to the 2020 and 2021 versions of the Tailteann Cup they won earlier this year.

"We had that well practiced so we knew exactly how we wanted to play if we won the toss and we were ready if we didn't win it as well.

"Most games are won in the 20 minutes going down the home straight, our thinking was we wanted to be in the game at half-time, we were quite confident the way we play and set up we could put ourselves in that position but huge credit to Dunsany," he added.

"The breeze was strong but we were quite confident with our choice, it was something we spoke about but unfortunately for Dunsany they probably left a few scores behind them in that opening half. Coming up to half-time we got that crucial goal and a goal on a day like that, in a match as tight as that, was going to be huge.

Durrigan - who is in his first year in charge of St Vincent's - pointed to another reason why his team won. In the wet, blustery conditions the Saints did what every successful side needs to do - they found a way to win.

"It was probably unfortunate in one respect the conditions were such a huge factor in the game. It was a very strong wind, very greasy ball, the game probably wasn't nice on the eye but sometimes, especially days like that, you just have to find a way to win.

"We did it today but my thoughts are with Dunsany too, I've been involved in finals we lost so I know all about it. I was involved in the management team with St Mary's, Ardee when we went very close to winning the senior championship in 2016, we were just narrowly beaten in the last minute or two, but there are lessons in that."

This year St Vincent's have turned winning into an artform, overcoming considerable challenges in games to see them through. Durrigan pointed to a game against Kilbride when they "had to pull the game out of the fire" and did so. He also pointed to the battle with St Ultan's in the semi-final that went right down to the wire.

"All year we've been a steam train, we've been winning games and winning is a habit, and thankfully that know-how served us well against Dunsany too. We got ahead against them and we could then manage the game," Durrigan added. "It's just great to be involved with a group who worked so hard to get the rewards on offer," concluded Durrigan.