Conor Glass celebrates at Croke Park following Glen's AIB All-Ireland Club SFC Final win over St Brigid's. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Patience was required, but Glen eventually found a way with Conor Glass supplying a crucial goal with the issue delicately poised.
Throughout a lively encounter Glen had squandered scoring opportunities. Chances were missed, but Glen kept battling.
That drive and determination mattered deeply. “I thought we were done and buried,” Glass reflected afterwards.
“Between the 50th and 60th minute, that 10 minute spell went by like that. There were multiple times I thought the game was done and buried.”
Trailing 1-11 to 1-7 in the closing stages, Glen landed a point courtesy of Michael Warnock. Then Glass rifled a goal to level, and Glen prevailed because of a late flurry. “The point Michael Warnock got to bring it back to a one kick game, it was absolutely huge,” Glass added.
“Our shot selection all day was terrible, but we just got on with it - short term memory, forget about those misses, and focus on what we can control. What we could control was the next kickout, the next attack, that sort of way.
“It shows the character this team has. I was lucky to get on the end of it, I put my foot through it, and we kicked on from there. Here, we are All-Ireland champions, it is a pretty good feeling.”
Conleth McGuckian’s sharp free in the build up to Glass’ goal was an important moment. “It is one of those movements, that you just play on instinct,” Glass says.
“I was free and Conleth was able to find we with the pass, it was a difficult pass to find. We played on instinct, that is what you have got to do on those occasions.”
Glass was delighted to secure national silverware at Croke Park. Did Glass reflect much on a late opportunity against Kilmacud Crokes last year? “A lot,” Glass responded.
“I said to myself if I ever get that occasion again, I'm just going to put my foot through it. If it comes off, it comes off, if it doesn't, at least I went for it.
“Thankfully it happened today, I was able to get that opportunity again. It is a weird one I found myself on the end of it. Compared to last year, I'm very happy.”