Callum “privileged” to lead Omagh CBS to Hogan Cup glory

By Barry O’Donnell

OMAGH captain Callum Daly admitted to feeling “privileged” to have led the CBS to only their third ever Hogan Cup title, and second in a row.

The St Enda’s lad has been imperious across the whole campaign, prompting and cajoling his colleagues from that key central berth, along his own ’40’.

His leadership and astute reading of danger situations was again in evidence at Croke Park on Saturday as the Brothers completely nullified the attacking threat of Kerry and Munster champions Mercy Mounthawk in the second half.

Daly had also been an integral member of last year’s All-Ireland winning panel, but acknowledged that being captain made this latest triumph that bit more special.

“A lot of good players never get to play Hogan Cup football so to go back to back in it is indescribable.

“Leading those boys out is such a privilege because they are such a good bunch of lads. I am just so happy with the way it has turned out. They are unbelievable fellas.

“It’s great for all the young lads. They probably think it happens every year but they will get a rude awakening that it definitely doesn’t. Younger boys at the school probably see us as role models so there is definitely a good feeling around the place.”

Daly stated that the key strength of this Brothers squad was the ability of numerous players to deliver the goods when required, and he felt that trait again shone through at Croker.

“On the big days big players step up. Not just myself but a lot of our big players really stepped up. Charlie Donnelly really kicked on, he is some player. He really helped us to push on. Eoin Donaghy as well, Paudi Dillon. Whenever ‘Rooster’ (Ruairi McCullagh) got the black card it could have crumbled a bit but we did really well to control the game.”

Omagh had held a narrow 0-7 to 0-6 interval lead at the break on Saturday but Daly revealed that a few choice words in the dressing room at half time ultimately had the desired impact.

“We got a bit of a scolding as we weren’t playing that well. We knew if we played a bit better we could open things up and use the size of Croke Park to our advantage. In the second half we did it.

“Admittedly we got a fluky goal or two but you need to make the most of your luck when it comes and thankfully we did that.”