TIARNAN McBride felt Four Masters’ experience of playing in finals stood to them in the dying seconds of Saturday’s Minor Final.
It was all square heading into injury-time but the Tir Chonaill Park side got the final two points.
Most of the players have played in Donegal and Ulster Finals with Four Masters, while a huge cohort were part of the Abbey Vocational School side that won the All-Ireland ‘B’ Schools title this year, and they know how to win tight games.
“It was a real, real battle,” said the 18-year-old.
“That goal was nearly a sucker-punch at the end.
“We were just lucky to get over the line.
“We had a few composed heads at the back that were just able to keep the ball.
“I think the experience played a big part.
“We have been involved in a lot of tight games and we know how to get through them, and that probably helped us in the end.”
Four Masters went into the match as clear favourites, giving how strong they have been at this age group over the last two seasons.
They have won a lot of games comfortably in Donegal but that certainly wasn’t the case on Saturday.
And McBride says they were expecting a huge challenge from Naomh Conaill, who they had already lost to earlier in the year.
“You want it to be tight.
“Those are the games that are going to stand to you and bring you through, and that’s what we need.
“Naomh Conaill beat us in the regional, so we knew exactly what they are about.
“We have been playing them since we were wee and that’s all part of it.”
Four Masters won the Under 17 Ulster title on New Year’s Day when they defeated Cavan Gaels.
They also reached the provincial final the season before so they know all about spending their Christmas in Belfast and are looking forward to the St Paul’s tournament once again this year.
“We will give it another crack.
“We will take the cup up and we will try to defend it as best as we can.”
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