By Matthew Wilson
Letterkenny Gaels captain Joseph Patton is delighted to see the growth of hurling within the club after they claimed their second successive junior hurling title.
Letterkenny Gaels landed the Junior Hurling Championship title courtesy of a 14-point win over St Eunan’s at O’Donnell Park on Saturday afternoon.
With two neighbouring sides facing-off it was likely to be a closely contested affair and the first half proved to be that way.
But Conor Boyce’s side pulled away after the restart to build up a favourable advantage and get over the line.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Patton stated that they were anticipating the tough test that they received from the St Eunan’s men.
“We were expecting a big contest and they gave it to us. The scoreboard doesn’t really reflect the game, we were only three points up at half-time and we got two late goals.
“Up until then it was nip and tuck the whole time. We pulled through at the end and we’re happy out now.”
There was a whole host of standout individuals in the Letterkenny Gaels side during Saturday’s victory over their neighbours.
Patton himself impressed in the full-forward line, scoring 2-3, while Brian Diver received the man of the match award following his superb display in the middle of the park.
But the 21-year-old insisted that it required the entire panel’s effort to get the result they required at the weekend.
“Yeah, Brian (Diver) scored seven points and I got 2-3 but the defence back there kept a clean sheet. That’s what we asked from them and they did their job.
“The subs that came on did a great job as well. It’s a 20 man panel these days, you have to have a full team to win a championship and it took everyone today.”
Saturday’s triumph saw Letterkenny Gaels land the junior crown for the second successive season, having defeated Burt last term.
Hurling is certainly on the rise at the Pairc na nGael club as they continue to produce the silverware at senior level.
Patton is pleased to see the increase in popularity and is hoping that they keep progressing for the future generations of players.
“Yeah, we’re trying to push on to intermediate of course but it’s about the young boys and girls coming through to try to grow the club.
“We only have a couple of years, there’ll be boys going away and lads going to college and things. The support here today was unbelievable, with the young people out, and it’s great to see that hurling is growing in the club.”