Slim margins cause major heartbreak for Cunningham

St Brigid's manager Anthony Cunningham admitted that the agony of an extra-time defeat to Daingean Uí Chúis in the All-Ireland club SFC final would take some time to recover from, but insisted that the Roscommon outfit would rise again. However, that could come with a different man at the helm.

Cunningham, who is in his second spell in charge of the Kiltoom-based club, watched on ruefully from the sidelines as Mikey Geaney's point at the end of extra-time earned Daingean Uí Chúis a famous 0-23 to 1-19 victory in the All-Ireland club SFC final at Croke Park.

"I probably have referenced it during the year that sport is cruel and they were cruel moments for us," Cunningham lamented in a post-match interview with RTÉ Sport.

"We were so close and in a winnable position, but that's the way the game has gone... they're hard lessons but I'm sure the lads will rise again and go at it again. They just love their sport."

The 2013 All-Ireland champions led by three points at one stage in extra time as they sought to get their hands on the Andy Merrigan Cup for a second time. However, that opportunity only arose as Ruaidhrí Fallon knocked over a brilliant two-pointer at the death.

"We kicked into action early in extra-time," Cunningham added. "But I guess we got a bit tired towards the finish, but that's no fault of anybody."

The 60-year-old dual manager shed no light on his own future.

"I don't know," Cunningham said when asked on his plans moving forward. "It was a most enjoyable two years for me.

"There is a lot of work, the season is 12 months now for clubs.

"It's a lot of work and great work by our backroom team, the fitness side and coaching side

"We'd be so proud of the work that the coaches have done and the club have provided for us.

"We'd have to say that they are a fantastic club and we lack for nothing.

"The prize we wanted was the Andy Merrigan and we'll have to go again."

The contrast between Cunninghan and opposite number Pádraig Corcoran (above) could hardly have been more stark.

"It's just fantastic," the Dubliner enthused. "It's a fabulous club. We're a very small club and everybody puts their shoulder to the wheel.

"I'm delighted for the supporters, the people of the town and the community.

"For this group of players, it has been unbelievable.

"It was a ferocious battle. We thought we were nearly there in normal time and fair play to St Brigid's, Ruaidhrí Fallon came up and kicked a great score to bring it to extra-time.

"I think we showed great character there. Were we a point down at half-time in extra time?

"We came back and there was unbelievable heart and unbelievable spirit and football as well.

"It was a brilliant finish."

The success of Daingean Uí Chúis means Kerry is home to football's senior, intermediate and junior champions with An Ghaeltacht and Ballymacelligott securing silverware for the county at HQ last weekend.

"The heat was on," Corcoran quipped. "Somebody said to me on Monday morning in work that the pressure was on and I hadn't actually thought about it.

"But I was delighted to see our neighbours Ballymacelligott and the Ghaeltacht win last weekend."

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