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I preface this, and I'm sure George would agree, by acknowledging the contribution of Brian Boland and Oz Liot to Clonmel Celtic U15's league success this season. I caught up with head coach George yesterday as he reflected on the season:
JP. There was a long gap between the Town and Cashel games. How did you keep the boys focussed. Was training and preparation any different leading up to Cashel game?
GH. In retrospect maybe the gap was a good thing. It allowed us to refocus our efforts as a group and remind ourselves what we are good at. As for the build up to the Cashel game I would say it was very relaxed.
JP. Was it hard to pick the boys up after Town defeat?
GH. Town are a good side and that evening we were nowhere near our best, that's football. Sometimes you learn more from defeat that victory and to the boys' credit they were determined to put things right.
JP. Saturday was a big pressure game. Did you sense anything different with the team, were nerves a factor for any of the players?
GH. As I said the build up was pretty relaxed. I sensed a real focus on the morning of the game and once the match kicked off they played their way into the game and settled any nerves.
JP .You’ve been involved with most of these players for nearly 10 years? Does Saturday’s win make it all worthwhile?
GH. Every single training session and match with this lot is worthwhile. It may sound cliched but this is a special group of players and as Brian and Oz will attest to they are genuinely a joy to be involved with win, lose or draw.
JP. You lost some important players before the season started. Realistically what were your hopes for the season?
GH. It sounds strange but I was excited to see who was going to step up and put their stamp on the season. Yes, some big players moved on but we also made some great signings who all added something different to the squad. We set the group a challenge at the start of the season and they totally exceeded it.
JP. I know you don’t like to single out players but having lost your two keepers you must have been thrilled with Rhys Lonergan’s performances this season?
GH. Rhys has been phenomenal and showed real character and courage as well as ability. He has also become a real leader within the group and has played a fundamental part in winning the league.
JP. A lot teams have struggled with summer soccer and the clash with GAA season. How has it been for you and how have you managed?
GH. It has presented a challenge but we are lucky to have very understanding and flexible parents, dedicated players and coaches and the club has been very accomdating and supportive with access to facilities. Regarding the parents it must have driven them mad at times with constant texts about training times but they have been fanatastic.
JP. Considering the importance of the game on Saturday you must have been happy with how your team managed the game. Did it go according to plan?
GH. It really did. We had a game plan and stuck to it. Cashel are a strong side but we retained good control throughout and credit for that has to go to the lads.
JP. What were your first thoughts and feelings when the final whistle went?
GH. Initially relief....Obviously after that came the joy and excitement. Seeing the boys celebrate together was a special moment.
JP. Were you able to celebrate the win on Saturday evening?
GH. An Indian takeaway with my very patient and understanding partner which was lovely.
JP. Celtic haven’t won too many Schoolboy Premier titles. The last manager was Martin Greene who won U14 title two years ago although he did point out that he actually won the double that year!! Is that now a target or do you feel mission accomplished and anything else now is a bonus?
GH. We aim to win every game we play so that's the way we will approach the Tipperary Cup semi final and National Cup game.
JP. Finally people say it’s hard to get to the top but even harder to stay there. Looking forward do you plan to strengthen and become first Celtic manager to win two Premier league titles in a row?
GH. Regarding strenghtening we have a lovely balance in the squad both off and on the pitch and whilst new players are always welcome it is important that they would buy into the ethos of both the team and the club. The squad is undeniably talented and I would hope we will take confidence from this campaign and build on it. However the most crucial thing is that the lads continue their development and keep enjoying their football, after that who know? But anything is possible with this group............................