Donie Smith is delighted to be back in the Roscommon senior final as such a quick turnaround.
Boyle lost out to Strokestown 12 months ago, Boyle’s first appearance in the final since 1927.
“It was one of those things” admitted Smith. “It was a big in town, a big thing with the team, and everyone was talking about the 95 years”.
“Ultimately we ended up having a disappointing performance and losing the game, straight away your thinking will we get back here?” added Smith.
“Every game since then has been knock-out, so we’re delighted to be back!” admitted Smith. Boyle beat Western Gaels and St. Faithleachs in the group stage.
Then beating Clann na nGael in the quarter-final and Padraig Pearses in the semi-final.
As for Sunday, Smith believes the game itself with come down to the forwards and who’s on their game.
“St. Brigids rightly so are firm favourites, because they’ve been the standout team” Smith declared.
“You look at their team and all over the pitch they have strength in dept. There all very disciplined and well-conditioned team”.
However, Smith believes last year’s final defeat will help spur the team onto victory. The county final defeat was the club’s first appearance in nearly a century.
“The big thing is the experience” Smith declares.” A lot was made of the 95 years. But when the ball is thrown in, it’s a new game. Brigids are the same, it’s a new game”.
“Its 10 years this weekend since we got promoted from the intermediate championship” Smith added.
“We’ve had a few hiccups but all teams do, but we’ve been steadily improving. We have St. Brigids coming down the track and it doesn’t get any easier”.
