Tommy Fitzgerald hails ‘pure heart and desire’ after Laois win Joe McDonagh Cup
Laois defeated Carlow by nine points in Croke Park to win their second Joe McDonagh Cup
Laois manager Tommy Fitzgerald believes his side's hunger and work rate were the key factors behind their Joe McDonagh Cup final victory over Carlow, as they avenged a nine-point defeat suffered in the opening round of the competition.
“The group did, it wasn't the best performance ever. I think the hurling was scrappy, but I think it was just pure desire and want, and just a massive work rate.”
Fitzgerald felt Laois' determination to win the dirty ball and outwork their opponents represented one of the biggest improvements from their meeting with Carlow back in April. Having reached a third successive Joe McDonagh Cup final, he believes the lessons from previous disappointments helped drive the team on.
“It probably was, and it was probably the winning of the game, to be honest with you, because as I said, I don't think we actually hurled well. There were a lot of handling errors and mistakes, but in terms of just pure desire and work rate and want, it was top class. I suppose the first day, we felt we were outworked over in Carlow; there was no doubt about that. All the numbers backed that up, and there was a big focus on that over the last couple of weeks. Nothing scientific, to be honest with you. It was just pure heart and pure desire, and maybe the bit of hurt over the last few years probably helped us get to that level today. I'm sure it was at the back of lads' minds there today and probably drove a few of them on.”
Despite conceding a goal inside the opening minute, Fitzgerald was delighted with the composure his players showed to recover and take control of the contest.
“You have all the best plans in the world and the ball goes in the back of the net after a minute, but look, they responded well. We settled well and it certainly wasn't a classic, I'd say, but we stuck at it, and we worked really, really hard, and I'm just so happy for the lads, so proud of them as well. More than anything, what really shone out for us on the sideline was just a pure desire from the lads and a massive, massive work rate. All our figures at half-time were well up on what we were in previous games as well.”
While Cillian Dunne applied the finishing touch for Laois' crucial goal, Fitzgerald was quick to praise the work of Mark Dowling and Martin Phelan in creating the opportunity.
“Fair play to Mark Dowling, he stuck at it, maybe Murt was in beside him as well. It was a real collective mindset to work hard and empty ourselves today. I know I've said it about five times already, but I think that was a difference today. That's maybe what wins some finals. The pitch was fantastic, but it was a wet ball and it was slipping and sliding.”
Picky Maher produced another big-game performance, scoring nine points in his first season back after recovering from an ACL injury, and Fitzgerald said there was never any doubt about trusting him on the biggest stage.
“He's a real big game player, he's proved that in the past, and full trust and faith in him. We were trying to mind him for the last couple of weeks, and get him ready for today, because we knew we'd need him, and to be fair to the man, he stepped up, and I'm really happy for him.”
Man of the Match Cillian Dunne also earned glowing praise after scoring 1-6 on his Croke Park debut, with Fitzgerald revealing he had predicted the occasion would suit the young forward.
“I sent him a message. I said, look, you were made for days like this, and he bloody backed it up today. I'm so happy for him, because he came in at the start of the year, and his attitude has been absolutely fantastic. He works so hard every day on the training field, or on match days, he's just a fantastic young fella, and sometimes you get your rewards when you put in the hard work, so I'm delighted for him. He got a couple of class scores, though, in fairness, his one under the Hogan Stand in the second half was really top drawer.”
Fitzgerald also singled out the contribution of his defence, believing their disciplined and determined display laid the foundations for victory.
“I have to hand it to the backs, I thought they were outstanding, as a unit, they really defended manfully, and we snuffed out a lot of chances. I know they got a few off, but they've dangerous forwards. We had a plan going out and Fiachra played a certain role and the lads around him stood up. It was a real steely, defiant performance from our backs, I thought, but that was the message, I suppose, even at half-time, just to double down on their efforts, and to leave nothing out there, and I think the lads did that.”
The Laois manager was equally pleased with the impact made by his substitutes, particularly Jack Kelly, whose three-point contribution helped seal the win.
“Every one of those lads made the team better when they came in, and that's what we've been preaching all year. I’m blue in the face from saying it but we do have a lot of competition, we have a lot of lads in around the same level, and it's very hard to pick week in, week out, and they're trying to get the balance right, and you’re trying to get the impact off the bench as well, and in fairness, I think we got that today.”
Fitzgerald reserved special praise for Kelly, who returned to the panel this year and made a significant contribution from the bench.
“I'm delighted for him, though, because, you know, he came back in this year after being away from it, and his attitude has been just top, top, and it means a lot to him today now to come on and play his part in it too, so I'm delighted for him.”
Having been a selector when Laois last won the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2019, Fitzgerald admitted lifting the trophy as manager brought an even greater sense of relief and satisfaction.
“It does. There's probably a bit more pressure on it, to be honest with you, when you're the manager, and I certainly felt that last year, and I felt it again this year at times, but, yeah, just massive relief. This is what we've been striving for all year, and the last two years since I came in, and the players, the last three or four years. Just huge relief and pride in the lads as well that they stuck to the task, and they're a great bunch of lads, great bunch of lads, great Laois men, so happy for them.”
With the new championship structure meaning Laois avoid a preliminary All-Ireland quarter-final, Fitzgerald believes his players have earned the opportunity to savour their success.
“I'd say they won't have to be told twice now, but they deserve it. They've worked so, so hard, and they experienced a lot of hurt in the last two years. It's a horrible place to be and to come back. I think they've earned this one, and they've earned the right to celebrate it too.”