Four semi-final defeats later, Eric Killeen and co. ready to end title drought for Rathdowney-Errill

Rathdowney-Errill’s Eric Killeen reflected on the importance of their recent semi-final victory. After four consecutive semi-final defeats, they finally broke through to reach the final for the first time since 2019. The win, against a determined Abbeyleix side, was a crucial moment for the team. Killeen acknowledged the mental hurdle they had to overcome and the relief that followed. 

“It was huge. I think it played a big factor on our minds as well. I think Joe Fitz actually said it to us, like you don't get second chances in life. He said that at half-time, this is actually a second chance for us. Like we're against the same team, I'm nearly certain it was the same result at half-time and the last time before that. So it was huge to get over, but it was on our minds. I don’t think we scored from play for the first 22 minutes. We were all a bit nervous and thinking, is it going to be the same again? Abbeyleix, I think they're a good team. A lot of people play them down, but personally, I think they're a very good team the way they're set up. It was huge for us to finally get over the line. The feeling when the whistle blew was more so relief than enjoyment, I think personally.”

Killeen’s role in the team has evolved over the years. Having played as a half-back in the 2019 county final, he now finds himself in the full-forward position, a shift that happened somewhat unexpectedly. He explained how a hamstring injury led to his move to the forward line, and it’s been a position he’s held ever since. 

“I'm pretty sure it was two years after we won it, I'd say it was 2021. I had a bit of a hamstring injury and they said that they’d throw me in at full forward, I think it was against Castletown in the league. I went in, and I think I played alright, got a few points and set up a bit, and they just left me there. Ever since, they've been leaving me up there. But in the league, they had me centre back for one or two games, and then in a few practice matches I could be half-back, I could be midfield. So, I'd say it was just potluck nearly that they put me in the forwards. But it doesn't really matter. I told them if I'm playing anywhere, just let me know and I'll give my all. I wouldn't really be fussing as such.”

Despite his success in front of goal this season, Killeen is quick to credit his teammates for creating the opportunities that have allowed him to shine. He sees himself as benefiting from the hard work of others around him, particularly the likes of Brandon McGinley, Paddy McCane and Roddy King, who draw defenders away and create space.

 “I'm nearly getting the lucky break in there with the lads, Brandon, Paddy, and Roddy either side of me. They kind of take the main markers and the ball will slip out then. So far, I've got a fair few. A few people are saying that to me, but I'm nearly just doing what I hate being done to me. So, I kind of figured out how to do that part, and that's how it's working for me so far.”

His experience as a defender has given Killeen a unique perspective when playing in the forward line. Understanding what markers don’t want to do has helped him find ways to disrupt defences and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

 “I know he doesn't want to run left or right, he doesn't want to run straight, so I'm constantly moving left and right and making space for lads. That's what our main goal is. It doesn't really matter who scores the goals for us or scores the points as long as Rathdowney-Errill have a higher score than the other team. So we're just constantly moving. I'm running out of the way for this lad, they're running out of the way for me. We just give a shout and we do it willingly. We just make space for everyone, and to get everyone to score, that’s the main goal.”

Killeen emphasised the significance of having experienced players like John Purcell and Joe Fitzpatrick, as well as other senior figures from their 2012 winning campaign, involved in the squad. Their leadership and presence have been instrumental in guiding the team through difficult moments and setting the standard for younger players. 

“It's huge having them lads. I think they're captain and vice-captains between the two of them, and it's only right. The two of them speak before the game, they speak at halftime, they speak after the game and having them is huge. Joe Fitz, he's touching 40, if not 40, and I’d be marking him in training, and he's coming out with balls the whole time. He's not losing his pace anytime soon, but having the likes of them as experience and just constantly talking. They reminded us really before, the hurt that we had last year and every year. We still remember the results, we still remember the games. But even the likes of Paddy Purcell, Roddy, Tadhg Dowling there as well and James Ryan, they're all still there, even from the last time as well. They're huge to help us out.”

Looking ahead to the final, Killeen knows they will need a strong start and a collective effort to overcome Clough-Ballacolla, a team with plenty of talent and experience. He pointed to their opponents' slow start in their semi-final and hopes Rathdowney-Errill can capitalise on any early nerves.

 “I'm pretty sure they had a slow start against Camross. I think it was 1-6 to 2 points at one stage. We had a slow start against Abbeyleix, so I'd say it was just nerves between the two teams. Ballacolla have some very good players as well. It's going to be an interesting game; hopefully, it goes our way. I wouldn't care if it was one point to us and none to them, but it's going to be a good game. It's more so nerves now for that as well. I'd say we'll need everyone, we’ll need the full 20. I know it's cliché to say, but you need your subs and we need lads to come in and make a difference, and likewise so will they. If we get a good start and just focus on ourselves and keep the scoreboard ticking, then hopefully it'll go our way.”

Reflecting on the atmosphere around the team, Killeen is buoyed by the support from the community and the positive mood in training. After overcoming the semi-final hurdle, the excitement is palpable as they prepare for their first county final since 2019.

 “The mood's good. When the whistle blew, everyone was congratulating us. I know it's only a semi-final, but we lost the last four in a row, so it was on our minds. The buzz is great. We had training last Wednesday, and it wasn't the best of weather, but I think I counted before training, and I think we had 28. Some lads were in college and had injuries, but there's still a buzz, and everyone's wishing you best of luck around the town. It's just the excitement of really being in a County Final, finally back in one, so hopefully we can give it a good rattle and see what happens.”