‘We can only worry about what’s in front of us on Sunday’ - O'Loughlin Gaels boss Brian Hogan looks ahead to the County Final

This Sunday’s county final definitley has a new look about it as Thomastown compete at this stage of the competition for the first time since 1988 when they were heavily beaten by near neighbours Shamrocks.

This time around, it’s defending champions O’Loughlin Gaels in opposition for what will rermarkably be a first ever meeting at senior level between the teams.

O’Loughlin Gaels boss Brian Hogan will be looking to add a second county title to his name as manager and he’s looking forward to the challenge of meeting a relatively new opponent.

“Thomastown are a very organised and well coached side and they’ve had a really impressive season to date.

“It’s a novel final too as I wouldn’t have crossed paths with them much when I was playing so there is definitley a different feel to it.

“They are a very good team and they’ve built on their All-Ireland success from earlier this year and they’ve really adapted to playing in the top tier and they will be difficult opponents as they have big players all over the pitch.

“They will be a seious test as they are a good hurling team but we are looking forward to the challenge in seeing how the two teams match up”.

A win on Sunday will give O’Loughlin’s a sixth championship victory in their history and back to back titles for the first time ever.

The former All-Ireland winning captain knows it would be a big deal for the club but is not shying away from the prospect.

“Each individual has different motivation factors in what makes them want to win”, Hogan added.

“Last year for example , some players wanted to win a first medal while others were looking for a third so every player is different.

“The opportunity is there to win another county title for the club and they don’t come easy so if we are successful, it will mean that we’ve defended the title that the lads won last year which would be a nice bonus.

“From our point if view we are just looking at the game that is in front of us as Thomastown are an outstanding team and that 60 minutes in a county final is all we can worry about”.

The O’Loughlin’s boss has been happy with his side’s progress that has seen them win every league/championship game this term as they look to maintain their unbeaten run.

“One of the goals at the start of the year was to get back into a final so we’re delighted to be still involved and in with a chance of retaining the title.
“We won the league which was good and we gave plenty of lads gametime and it helped us work on a couple of things.

“We then went into a championship quarter-final and you never know how you are really fixed at that stage but the way the lads performed thad day with 13 men was very encouraging.

“Even the last day, we were happy with most aspects of our game and how they applied themselves so overall we can’t have too many complaints as we’ve ticked a lot of the boxes in what we’ve been looking for”, the 43-year-old finshed.