LYIT manager Michael Murphy hailed his side’s character despite their disappointing defeat to IT Carlow in the Sigerson Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
It looked like LYIT were going to lose out as they were a man down after Darragh Black was harshly sent off, and then found themselves four points down heading into the closing exchanges.
Michael Langan registered a free, before Glenswilly’s Caoimhin Marley put the ball in the net and it appeared that the game was heading to extra-time.
However, Adam Steed had the final say and he fisted in a match-winning goal for Carlow in the 63rd minute.
“We were just building our way back into it and then it was taken away from you,” a disappointed Murphy said afterwards.
“It was cruel and it was tough. That’s football but they showed the character they’ve shown for the last two or three years. We weren’t playing particularly well but we kept chugging at it. The attitude and character was brilliant.”
LYIT didn’t play as well as they did against AIT or IT Sligo but Murphy felt that was down to the pressure they were put under by their opponents.
“It would be unfair to say it was down to our nerves as Carlow are a good side and are here for a reason. They made things difficult for us and scored at the right times. They have good footballers and good players. We didn’t get up to the level of previous games but even with that, we kept hanging in there.
“Credit where it’s due and we managed to keep in touch. We pressed high but the first half didn’t give us that platform. Looking back it was a fantastic year and right now we’re looking at the balance between a fantastic year and the disappointment of losing tonight.
LYIT can look back on an excellent debut season in the Sigerson Cup and with a lot of first years and second years looking to push on in 2021, they should be competitive again.
Murphy has enjoyed his three years as LYIT manager and the journey they have been on.
“We’ve been here three years through the Trench and beating a good Dundalk team last year and when the challenge of Sigerson came up the college and the lads responded and gave it great commitment,” Murphy added.
“That’s what made it enjoyable. The players made it enjoyable. Hopefully we’ve learned from this year and they’ve played at this level and competed well. We’ve a lot that will be back next year. They’re really good lads so hopefully we can kick on next year and we’re be back in October. It’s great exposure.”
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