REACTION TO MINOR DOUBLE

Pic - Mark Doherty

It was a very happy and proud Slaughtneil captain Proinsias Burke (pictured) that we caught up after the game.  In his speech he recognised those who helped them achieve their success. "I'd like to thank Francie [Burke], Jazz [Kevin McEldowney], Bun [Bernard Cassidy] and Mark Lowry not just this year but all that all the people have done for us since we were six."

Clearly it is a very unified Slaughtneil group but with all the games in all the codes they are so familiar with each other.  "It means everything to us, this team has been playing together since we were six years of age and to win the minor double is very special and hopefully we can go on a represent Derry not just in the Ulster Hurling tournament but also at St Paul's," added Burke.

Conditions were difficult but midfielder Conor McAllister hinted at the Emmet's preparation.  "It obviously wasn’t ideal but trainings lately have been done in these conditions and the boys were well accustomed to them by this stage."

McAllister also expressed his satisfaction at the end of a fruitful season. "It means everything to us.  At the start of the year we set ourselves a target [the double] and we have now accomplished that.  Now hopefully we can progress and do well in both Ulster campaigns."

We also got the view with selector Bernard Cassidy (pic below) who was involved in many of Slaughtneil's minor triumphs over the years and he paid tribute to this year's crop.  "The result today [the double] was something very few U18 players throughout Ireland have achieved.  These players are very special and are a credit to their families and the  club.  It's great times for us Robbies."