The scoreboard didn’t really reflect the game: Muckalee Manager Pat McDowell

Muckalee’s fairytale journey in the Leinster Junior Club Championship came to an end on Saturday but what a run it has proven to be with the Kilkenny senior champions earning victories over Sarsfields Mountmellick (Laois), Grattan (Longford) and St Joseph’s (Westmeath).

Saturday proved to be the end of the road but Muckalee boss Pat McDowell was hugely proud of the effort of his players.

“It was disappointing and the scoreboard definitely didn’t reflect the game as we kicked uncharacteristic wides and we didn’t release the ball at the right time,” he said.

“Maybe nerves played a part for us - they got a couple of soft goals - but I’m very proud of our girls,” he added. “That’s a big thing as they’ve represented Kilkenny unbelievably well throughout this championship.

“We came through three difficult away games and hopefully we can get back here next year and finish the job.”

O’Dwyers’ goal threat was essentially the difference between the sides and McDowell admits that the Dublin side’s fast start to the second half gave Muckalee too much of a mountain to climb.

“The goals killed us and we needed the start that they got to the second half,” he said.

“We were only three points behind at half-time and the first and third goals were very soft for us to concede.

“We needed to make it really tough for them in the second half and we didn’t really do that as we gave them a couple of handy scores.

“We took over in the final 15 minutes but we just weren’t able to get through their packed defence.”

Despite the result, it’s still been a magical few weeks for a Muckalee side that’s captured the public’s imagination.

“The whole parish has talked about nothing else for the last two weeks and I don’t know if we were expected to get here but the girls have done themselves proud.

“Everyone in Muckalee has been talking about football and for that to happen in Kilkenny is amazing.

“That’s what the girls have done and they’ve had a bad day today but I know their character and I’ve no doubt that they’ll bounce back from this.”