Bittersweet victory but Jack Flynn believes Leitrim can build for the future

It was one of those days when celebrations were muted despite a fantastic win for Leitrim over Tipperary in the Tailteann Cup but Jack Flynn admitted that not qualifying for the preliminary quarter-finals cast a shadow over the Green & Gold’s first victory of the year.

“When we came here, the first thing we wanted was a win,” stressed the Leitrim Gaels clubman after the 3-9 to 0-10 victory in TEG Cusack Park, “We couldn't control what happened in Antrim so winning today was all we were focused on. Of course, at the end of the game you're kind of thinking what do we need at the end. But yeah, I suppose it's a bittersweet.”

Sunday’s victory meant a tough and often difficult year for Leitrim came to an end but Jack highlighted the spirit within Steven Poacher’s squad and emphasised the importance of keeping the young squad together: “It's been  hard throughout the year and a lot of these lads have fought hard. 

“We faced a lot of adversity. The main target when we came here today was to get a win. That was all our focus. I don't think the outside noise affected anyone to be honest -  I think we're an awful tight group and Steven and the lads have been so good at keeping us away from it and keeping everything as positive as possible.”

Jack admitted that keeping that outside noise away from the team was difficult at times: “Yeah, it was tough - there's no point in saying it wasn't, but we knew there was talent in here. It's very easy to let that stuff in and affect you, especially with such a young team - there are lads starting the Leaving on Wednesday and you have so many lads in college. 

JACK FOLEY SEES LEITRIM MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

“It's very easy to let that noise in but we know there's talent in the group. We knew we were building towards something and we just hope we can continue building now. A lot of these lads are very young. They were here last year, they were here under Andy and there were lads in training who were even too young to play senior football last year. 

“They came straight in from the U20s. They've been around, they've been exposed to it. It was just about gelling as a group then but I suppose it is weird to be one of the older lads at 23.”

Keeping everyone on board and maybe getting a few players back into the squad is vital for Leitrim football: “It's massive to keep everyone here. There's been outrageous turnover in the last two or three years. I know there's been a lot this year specifically, but even before that there was an awful amount. 

“That's how you build going forward - you get a group together and you keep them together and you keep going forward with the same players. That's the only way you're going to build something. That's what you have to try and do now - keep everyone around, get a few new boys in, whether they've been here before or not. 

“There'll be a few lads that step up in the Club Championship, but no doubt they'll come in then and just try and build going forward then, straight away.”

Jack was Leitrim’s first goal-scorer against Tipperary, prompting a laugh when asked about his goal: “I'd say there weren't many had me backed for the first goal anyway! It's nice to get it when it comes - I wouldn't be renowned for it, but I'll take it when it comes anyway.”