*Conner Hegarty in full flight. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

When Conner Hegarty walked the hallways of St Flannan’s College as a first-year student, winning a Harty Cup medal was a dream, on Sunday it became a reality.

It could have been the twenty one winning Harty Cup panels that went before and their photographs that adorn the walls and halls of St Flannan’s College that made the dream fester for Hegarty or the introduction to Brendan Bugler but regardless it has always been in his mind.

Speaking to The Clare Echo in the lead up to the decider, Conner outlined, “For most of us it’s been our dream since we came in to the school in First Year, it’s all we’ve been talking about, Harty Cup, Harty Cup and it’s great to be in the final now. We were told bring in our hurley everyday and it was basically an extension of our arm, it’s always been about the Harty Cup”.

Their hard work finally paid off on Sunday as they secured a three point win over CBC Cork and Hegarty was a relived figure. “We didn’t feel any pressure, we knew what we had and with the players we have we knew we could grind out a victory, no matter what. We’ve left too many finals behind us in the past, it wasn’t going to be the case today”.

Joy and pride was etched on his face but a shoulder injury in the final moments added to the range of emotions being experienced by the Inagh/Kilnamona teenager. “I’m feeling sore at the moment,” he said in relation to the injury. Such was the joint captain’s determination that management were unable to take him off even though he spent two minutes receiving treatment on the field. “Mr O’Grady held on to me but I told him I wasn’t leaving the pitch, then they got a penalty during it”.

Controlling the emotions has been a constant throughout the campaign with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fixture due to inclement weather conditions. “We were doing the warm up down here two weeks ago and when it was called off everyone was so disappointed, I nearly felt like crying, we were so up for it. We managed to get back up for it and it’s unreal”.

Finishing with two points from play, his presence in hoovering up breaking ball and commencing attacks was evident from the get-go. “Everyone is from the local clubs in Clare, we’re best friends, it’s class”.

Getting to lift the Cup alongside Cian Galvin was as good as it gets, he explained, “there’s no better feeling than that”. Winning this competition has been something Conner has looked forward to for some time, now that they achieved, he won’t forget it in a hurry, “It hasn’t hit in yet. But Jesus when it does.. It’s sweet”.

Related News

niall gilligan 1
Gilligan whacked boy (12) on the leg with stick during assault - jury hears as State lays out case against ex Clare hurler
leonard cleary 1
€60m investment approved for capital projects in Galway City
lahinch beach 1
Red flag raised at Lahinch & bathing prohibition issued
michael keane 3
'You wouldn't be able to make a living as a publican with a young family today' - Keane

Advertisement

Latest News
kilmurry ibrickane v st josephs miltown 28-09-24 darragh sexton 1
Bricks are building but championship aspirations still a solid foundation
niall gilligan 1
Gilligan whacked boy (12) on the leg with stick during assault - jury hears as State lays out case against ex Clare hurler
leonard cleary 1
€60m investment approved for capital projects in Galway City
st josephs miltown v doonbeg 16-08-24 jason linnane 1
Doonbeg daring to end long wait to return to knockout stages
lahinch beach 1
Red flag raised at Lahinch & bathing prohibition issued
Premium
st josephs miltown v doonbeg 16-08-24 jason linnane 1
Doonbeg daring to end long wait to return to knockout stages
doora barefield v lissycasey 30-11-24 fionn kelleher 1
Doora/Barefield determined to go as far as they can in shake-up for honours
kilmurry ibrickane v cratloe 12-10-24 sean collins 1
Still plenty of life in Cratloe's footballers to challenge for honours
michael keane 3
'You wouldn't be able to make a living as a publican with a young family today' - Keane
dunnes ennis 1
Clare man charged with assault of retired judge faces further charge of stealing beer cans

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement