Glen's Emmet Bradley: "It is going to be a great contest with two teams just going for it"

“Delighted to have earned another crack at it,” said Emmett Bradley as he met the press ahead of today’s All-Ireland final at Croke Park.

Bradley has been immense and kicked that winning wonder score that got them across the line against Donegal’s Naomh Conaill in the Ulster semi-final. The club championship is unique when you get to the provincial and All-Ireland series, unlike the inter-county scene, as it is winners only through the entry gates. 

“What makes the club championship so unique is when you get out of your county you are facing winners every time. At this stage you are facing quality opposition with winning momentum behind them and thankfully we have the same and that what makes for such exciting contests at this time of the year,” said the midfielder.

Before they hit that stage though Bradley savoured the moment they claimed the JML for a third time. 

“Our first was three years ago, the first in the club’s history so we certainly don’t take any of them for granted and any achievements because we spent a long time with nothing to show for our efforts.”

Ulster was next and all three days out proved testing before a rematch with Kilmacud.  

“We had some great battles from Cargin to Naomh Conaill right through to Scotstown in the final and then Kilmacud Crokes, everyone of them was a huge test, and we are really thankful to have come through those. We have developed that ability when we find ourselves in tough games to find a way to win.”

While Glen supporters savoured the moment in a foggy Pairc Esler, the players were quickly making their way to the dressing rooms as preparations began to the big showdown with St Brigid’s. 

“We have only earned ourselves a crack at the final, same stage as last year, it’s up to us to try and take that next step and push on. We have alluded to it already, how tough each game has been and this is going to be no different. St Brigid’s could potentially be the biggest test we have faced over the last three years. We are trying to prepare for that and to be able to react to that situation and give it the best shot we can.”

Glen defeated Galway side Moycullen last year, they lost to Corofin this time around and so failing to retain their county title and the Roscommon men then ended Corofin’s journey.  

“That represents the quality that is in Connacht. As a young lad watching this competition on TG4, you saw the strength of the sides that came out of Connacht. I remember watching St Brigid’s playing Kilmacud in 2013 and their name popping up every couple of years throughout the provincial championship.”

Roll on Croke Park and hopefully come 5pm Glen will have added their name to the All-Ireland winners list but it will not be for the faint-hearted one would expect. 

“We are confident we possess a lot of quality and I think it is going to be a great contest with two teams just going for it and two teams that believe they can win this competition.”