TIR CHONAILL GAELS manager Lloyd Colfer said that he was “delighted” with his team’s winning performance in his first game in charge.
In a repeat fixture of last year’s Senior Championship Final, Tir Chonaill Gaels secured a 1-12 to 0-10 victory over St Kiernans in Sunday’s preliminary round in Ruislip, with John McGrath grabbing the goal for the holders.
Colfer – who ended up on the pitch due to a shortage of players – praised his team’s effort.
Speaking to The Irish Post, he said: “It’s early days, but we were happy enough with the way things finished up. We had to work hard during the week to get a team but eventually we had a strong team.
“It was an unusual one because I ended up playing as well, it was strange as it wasn’t planned, but we were short on numbers. It was my first game in a couple of years as I had a hip operation last year. But it was fine, I’ve got a great back room team, which is good.”
Looking ahead to the challenge that lies ahead, Colfer said that his focus is on building a more youthful squad.
“I think it’ll be a very different team this year if I’m honest,” he said. “Our goalkeeper retired, one of the guys moved to Thailand and several others moved home, so the team is going to look very different. We’re focused on developing home grown players who will bring a bit of youth and pace into the team.”
He added that his predecessor Barney Breen was a “tough act to follow”.
“He [Barney] did a great job with the team, winning two championships and two leagues in two years,” he said.
“But I do have my own ideas so I’m looking forward to putting my own brand onto it.”
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