*Robert Loftus. Photograph: Ruth Griffin.
ÉIRE ÓG’s success will not be taken for granted according to one of their young stars.
The Clare Echo’s online coverage of the Clare SHC is with thanks to The Temple Gate Hotel.
Wing back Robert Loftus has been one of the players of the championship for Éire Óg in a season which culminated in them lifting the Canon Hamilton for the sixteenth time.
Whether it was moving to full-back in the quarter-final to limit Aidan McCarthy to just a goal from play or tracking Peter Duggan whenever he ventured to the half-forward line in Sunday’s final, Robert never shirked from the challenge or the task assigned to him by Gerry O’Connor and his management. “I’m willing to do anything for the team, any lad could have taken on a job and done a good job because we have a great squad from one to thirty six,” the delighted defender outlined.
As he stood on the field of Cusack Park, he sported the battle scars of a county final with a fine gash above his left eyebrow. “It was a huge win, thirty five years is a long time without a championship for a town club, it is great to get over the line,” he told The Clare Echo.
Big interventions were deciding factors in their five point victory, the Clare U20 felt. “There was a few huge blocks, Liam Corry made one, Aaron Fitz made one, they are huge moments, David Reid and Danny were super up top with Marco, leaders stepped up when we needed them”.
An injection of youth has been credited by management and experienced players for Éire Óg reaching the promised land, Loftus is in his second season on the senior side and is part of the cohort responsible for giving them a new lease of life. “It makes it easier when you have lads that have been around the block and are able to lead you out like Danny, Reidy and SOD, it makes it easier, we know the last few years that the lads that have come through have made a difference which is great”.
To achieve senior success at such an early stage of his career is something he was able to appreciate and acknowledge would not be a given every year. “You don’t take it for granted though when you’ve the likes of Danny who is 36 and has been playing since my age and won nothing, I’m delighted for the likes of him who have been at it for years and won nothing”.
“Hopefully it will give a boost to the academy and we’ll see more people coming through, obviously the footballers are out next week and hopefully that will give another boost, we’re just over the moon,” the nineteen year old added.
