Glinsk manager Stephen Neary pays tribute to local community
GLINSK manager Stephen Neary dedicated his side’s Junior A county final victory to the local community after an extra-time triumph over Na Piarsaigh at Pearse Stadium.
After claiming silverware in his first season in charge, Neary recognised the years of work behind the title. “It isn’t just here today, it’s the work that has gone in all through the years,” he said.
“Every family in Glinsk and every manager that’s been before us and helped us all through the years, this is a win for everyone in Glinsk, for the whole village and the whole community.”
Glinsk looked in control before Na Piarsaigh rallied to lead in injury-time. Morgan Neary’s last-gasp free forced the game to extra-time, but Neary had feared their chance had slipped away after the penalty brought Na Piarsaigh back into contention.
“We thought it was gone from us at that stage,” he said. “In fairness to the lads, they’ve been that way all year. They did what they were asked, they dug deep and they got that score.”
That resilience carried into extra-time, where Glinsk found the energy to regain control and eventually secure a memorable victory.
“The lads, they knew it was now or never and they did it. They fairly dug in and we’re delighted to get out at the end of the day,” Neary said.
For the manager, the sight of families and children celebrating on the pitch captured the significance of the achievement.
“It’s a small club,” he said. “We’re absolutely delighted.”