Tynan full of praise for his gritty CFCW side

Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall (CFCW) manager Michael Tynan was full of praise for his players after their hard-fought victory over St Joseph's to claim the Westmeath Junior Football Championship title. In difficult conditions, CFCW managed to come from behind at half-time and secure their second junior title in three years, sealing an instant return to intermediate football.

Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Tynan was pleased with how his side adapted to playing into a considerable wind in the first half. "We were happy to go against the wind in the first half because we wanted to play on our terms, slow the game down, and get the breeze out of the way," he explained. "We knew it was going to get stronger, so we were pleased with how it turned out. The two goals we conceded were disappointing after such a good start, but credit to St Joseph’s - they're a great team, and they made the most of their chances."

CFCW had a commanding start, leading by 1-4 to 0-1 early on, but two quick goals from St Joseph’s left Tynan’s side trailing by two points at the interval. Despite the setback, Tynan emphasised the importance of their defensive intensity and preparation in training.

"The lads were excellent today. A lot of the work we've done in training, focusing on high-intensity, small-sided games, tackling, and turnovers, really paid off. The physicality in the turnovers was key, and that’s the way the game is now."

One of the standout performers for CFCW was Darragh McCormack, whose second-half goal proved crucial in swinging the game in his team's favour. "McCormack was a real warrior for us today," Tynan said. "Not only was he putting in a shift up front, but he was tracking back as well. He's a great guy, and along with players like Mark Cunningham and John McCarthy, they were just excellent. It’s that heart and desire that wins county finals."

Tynan also highlighted the contributions of other players, including captain Darragh O’Reilly, whose leadership set the tone early in the game. "Darragh led by example, winning the first few balls in the opening minutes. He really set the tone for the rest of the team," Tynan added.

CFCW’s second-half dominance, aided by the strong wind, was built on patience and precise play. "We didn’t want to just start kicking long balls and hoping for the best. We focused on playing a controlled game, working the ball in box areas, and then injecting pace at the right time. That’s how we got Darren McCormack's goal, and it was crucial."

Goalkeeper Gary Sullivan also earned praise from Tynan, particularly for his performance in the first half. "Gary is 41 years of age, and his kickouts were excellent against a strong breeze. It might not have been pretty football at times, but in those conditions, it was all about getting the basics right."

Looking ahead to their next challenge, CFCW will now compete in the Leinster Junior Championship, with a fixture against the Kildare champions on November 2. While Tynan admitted he hadn't yet turned his attention to their next opponents, he emphasised the importance of building on this victory. "We'll enjoy this win, and then we’ll start preparing for Leinster. We’ll regroup and get together this week to plan for that.”

CFCW’s victory marks a significant achievement for the club, and Tynan was quick to acknowledge the work ethic of his players. "At the end of the day, it’s the players who win these games. All the game plans and tactics go out the window in conditions like this, and it's down to the lads on the field. They delivered today, and I couldn't be prouder."

The victory ensures CFCW’s return to intermediate football next season, and with a Leinster campaign on the horizon, the club will look to build on this success.