Tech lads refuse to rest on their laurels

SOUTHERN Regional College's GAA team managed by Clann na Banna's Mark Copeland, and supported on field by the Clann's Sean McGarry, are looking forward to their upcoming Championship match with Dublin outfit Inchicore.

The Tech lads are on a crest of a wave after their historic All Ireland College victory in December. However they are not letting the All Ireland medals go to their heads.

Team mentor Mark Copeland spoke to the Leader about the upcoming game. “We have a great bunch of lads in the Southern Regional College team, but nobody is resting on their laurels after our All Ireland victory. We are 100% focused on the Inchicore game; we have been training hard both in College and at our clubs.

“We fully expect this game to be a physical encounter, and we will be going into it with our eyes wide open, we won’t be caught napping.

“I have been doing a little homework on the Dubs and they are most definitely a class act, but I feel we’ve also showed our class by beating some of the best teams that Higher Education can offer, we’ll certainly be up for the challenge.”

“The Southern Regional College is in a unique position. With campuses in both Down and Armagh we have two strong Gaelic footballing counties to pool players from, but we have also players from both Cavan and Louth on the squad so we have a very strong and competitive panel of players. These lads are turning out for their club team’s first XV every week but they still show their commitment to the college team.

“It’s a real credit to the lads that we have achieved so much this season. It’s all down to their dedication and hard work. I’m fortunate to be able to share the management burden with John Boyle, from Warrenpoint, who brings a wealth of experience to the team, and between us we manage, physio, carry the water and wash the jerseys.

“There’s not too many All Ireland winning managers get to do all that!”

The game is scheduled to be played on Wednesday February 3 in Pearse Og’s grounds in Armagh, subject to confirmation. The match will be watched closely, especially with the local connections in the team. Many of the Clann na Banna lads have already made plans to give their team mates support on the day.