As the season begins to really ramp up with Championship campaigns just around the corner, we’re going to pause for a moment and look back at the Down U20’s successful campaign in the All-Ireland B Championship, winning the Richie McElligott Cup for the 2nd time in 3 years. After falling short in 2023 vs Roscommon in the Semi Final of the competition, Down were determined to make up for this error in the final in 2024. It was a first half that ebbed and flowed with Down creating the majority of the scoring opportunities but they just couldn’t convert these chances to scores, which kept Roscommon in the game. The 2nd half was a different story however, Down were completely dominant and didn’t lead by less than 3 points throughout the final 20 minutes, culminating in a 0-20 to 0-11 win. Ballycran were represented on the panel by Seán McCarthy, Adam Rogan, Rory Corcoran and Dara Rogers, unfortunately due to injuries Seán was the only player able to take part in the final and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions on the occasion and the year in general.
Ballycran hurlers on U20 All Ireland B winning team Dara Rogers, Adam Rogan, Sean McCarthy, Rory Corcoran
What does it mean to you to have won an All Ireland and to have been able to play the final in Croke Park?
It means everything to me, to not only have the opportunity to play an All-Ireland Final in Croke Park but to actually go one better and win it was unreal. It’s the dream of every young Hurler to have that kind of opportunity so I’m very grateful that I was able to be in that position. It’s a huge incentive for any young Hurler to look towards as they grow up, knowing some day they could have the chance to play an All-Ireland Final in Croke Park. It gives you a sense of what its like playing in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day from the overall scale of the stands and supporters to the top class facilities.
Is there a particular moment from the whole year with the U20’s that stands out to you when you look back on it?
Lots of moments stand out to me over the year, from the lows of the wet week nights in the Dub rehabbing my injuries on the side of the pitch while the rest of the team trained to the highs of lifting the trophy in the Hogan Stand. My most memorable moment was the Semi Final against Wicklow. Ahead of that game, I hadn’t really played at all for the county team and was wondering if I was ever going to get my chance for the team, I knew I was capable having played for Ballycran Seniors in the Antrim League, so I was just being patient and waiting for my chance. When the team was named after training and I heard I was starting midfield, I knew I needed to perform to cement my place in the team. Thankfully, I played well and helped to secure a comfortable win over Wicklow in Darver and this performance helped to keep my name on the team sheet for the final.
Have you taken anything from your success with the U20’s that you feel you can bring back to Ballycran for the rest of the season?
I’ve definitely improved as a player throughout the year both on and off the pitch. The tough trainings and going up against the best in the county has developed me, as well as learning about the importance gym work and the need to recover properly in order to play and train at your best all the time. It has fuelled me to try to be more successful for both club and county in the future as I’m comfortable playing at this level know. Finally, it will help with the nerves of playing in big games in the future and will let me just focus on playing my game when it really matters.
Thank you to Sean Gilmore for providing this interview and photograph.
