Offaly learned from their mistakes from the last two years
Brecon Kavanagh savours Offaly's success in All-Ireland under 20 final
OFFALY centre back Brecon Kavanagh said that Offaly learned from their mistakes from the last two years and that is what helped them to get over the line and claim the All-Ireland under 20 title with victory over Tipperary on Saturday.
He said there was a build up of hurt from the last couple of years. “We learned from our mistakes, especially the Tipp game two years ago and then the Cork game last year, so we learned off our mistakes and really pushed on in the second half,” the Kilcormac/Killoughey clubman said.
“We know days like this don't come around too often and to get over the line after the hurt of the last two years in unbelievable,” he added.
He said memories from two years ago did flash back when Tipp started to reduce the deficit in the closing stages. “We have big players back there. Ruairi Kelly came powering out with a ball and pucked it over the bar. James Mahon was a rock all day and Ben Miller was a rock as well. They stopped every threat that was there. Tony and Hughie and the boys have worked with us on our structure over the last six or seven months and it paid off today,” Brecon said.
Offaly also responded well to Tipperary scores in the second half.
“We have big players in the forward line as well as the backline. Our captain Dan Bourke was unbelievable. He took the game by the scruff of the neck and Adam did what he does best. This team revolves around its work rate and that's what we showed today,” he stated.