Nov 27,2024
In 2012, Kilcormac Killoughey claimed their first Offaly senior county title, won Leinster and were narrowly beaten by St Thomas' in the All-Ireland final.
Players like goalkeeper Conor Slevin, midfielder Damien Kilmartin and centre-forward Conor Mahon were a huge part of that team, but young Adam Screeney looked on, hoping that someday he would be part of their ranks.
Fast forward to the 2024 AIB Leinster senior hurling final on Saturday evening against Na Fianna and Screeney has joined the likes of Slevin in the chase for more provincial honours.
It’s a more consistent side than in recent years too.
"It’s probably more consistent down to the strength of the panel," Slevin says. "Lads know they can’t be off the mark at any stage with the panel behind us waiting to get in."
Screeney agrees, adding: "Look at the Senior B team and what they have done (recently won Offaly title too). It’s great to have so many lads able to hurl at the same standard, up to 40 lads plus training every night and all of us are as good as one another."
Indeed, one of the panel - James Gorman - came off the bench last Sunday to help set up Screeney for the crucial goal that helped the team beat Westmeath’s Castletown-Geoghegan in the semi-final.
There are eight under-20 players on the Kilcormac Killoughey starting 15, but Screeney says it’s the more experienced lads who lead the way.
"We grew up watching the likes of Conor and Conor Mahon and Damien, and it’s great to have them with us to show us the way," he says.
Slevin, in turn, pays tribute to the young guns.
"We'd always had good underage players," he says. "We were not coming through at senior level maybe because Birr and Coolderry were so strong.
"But in 2012 we got over the line, had that first win, got to the All Ireland club final and maybe that helped.
"Adam and a few of the young lads back then maybe saw that and they are so mad into hurling that it has really driven everyone one in the past few years.
"We have a good structure and good facilities."
Screeney continues: "We have found ways out of tight games too and that all comes back to leaders on field and the older lads have that experience. They are playing for a long time. It’s a huge help for us because it’s a big step up from underage to senior."
Not that the likes of Screeney or Charlie Mitchell have demonstrated any visible gap in their ability to make the jump.
Screeney fired 1-08 last weekend and will be closely marked by Na Fianna this Saturday in what will be their third outing in 13 days.
"Look, this time of year you must adapt to the conditions and hurling is a different game," Screeney says.
"There is no hopping of the ball because if there is it is dried up in mud.
"I think this time of year it’s a dogged game with no real high scores.
"It’s just about digging it out when times are tough and most games go down home straight. We just focus on that."
Last weekend they found a way against the Westmeath champions who were really well set up.
"You must find a way around whatever opponent you face," Slevin says. "They were a very good side and got bodies in around the ball and the tackle areas.
"We have younger players and they blocked the green space in front of them.
"But we did manage to get around it."
Next Saturday’s final will be another challenge.
So far the Offaly champions have found a way around whatever has been placed in front of them.
