Man of the Match Kevin McGloin wanted to spark Melvin Gaels into life
Smith Monumentals IFC reaction: Melvin Gaels keeper wins Man of the Match award after dramatic victory over Allen Gaels in Ballinamore
Unusual to see a goalkeeper getting man of the match but when it was announced that Kevin McGloin had won that honour for last Sunday’s Smith Monumentals IFC Final, the ecstatic reaction of his Melvin Gaels teammates told you everything you needed to know about his impact on the game.
McGloin made one superb save right before Melvin Gaels spectacular late three goal salvo that saw them snatch the title from the grasp of Allen Gaels on a 3-8 to 2-10 scoreline but it was as much his barnstorming runs down the wing with the ball, deep into Drumshanbo territory, that stirred something in his teammates when all looked bleak.
Asked about it after the game, Kevin admitted that his runs down the field came from desperation as he thought the game was gone from Melvin Gaels: “Absolutely. I think what it was is that we were frustrated. I was very frustrated watching that. We were starting to play the ball over the back, very defensive.
“I thought to myself, we'll take a run at it and see. A lot of the time goalkeepers will be, teams will stand off goalkeepers. But I just think that we had to spark something - a lot of the time it might go wrong, I could have lost the ball and that could have been it. But lucky enough, it worked out.”
In a more conventional sense, Kevin’s last minute save from Jake Tobin kept Melvin Gaels alive in the game: “Ah stop, after the two goals, the confidence kind of goes down a wee bit.
You see someone coming one on one and I just stuck everything out at it. I was full stretch and lucky enough I got a touch on it.
“It could have easily nicked in at the back post again. But there was just so much power on it that it didn't. But that was game over if that went in. It's amazing how quick the game can swing. As I said, a lot of our lads were starting to drop their heads and lucky enough we got something to spark them up again.”
Whatever sparked Melvin Gaels’ match winning surge, Kevin believes it was inner-belief at it’s core as they contemplate the gap Allen Gaels had established with ten minutes to go: “None of us had any confidence there 10 minutes to go but I think what it is, is we've had to go to war all year.
“We've had to fight hard for every game and I think that's just the mentality of the lads. We kind of knew to click together and get it going and I think it's because we've had such hard, tough games. Kiltubrid, the likes of them and that's what kind of drove us on, I believe, is that we'd have tougher games throughout the year.”
Kevin paid tribute to Allen Gaels, admitting he felt a lot of sympathy for the Drumshanbo men: “All credit to Allen Gaels because they're a great side. In fairness, you'd have to feel sorry for them in a way. Ten points up and then for us to come behind. There's nothing nicer for us to win than a goal like that but there's nothing more hateful for a goal to go in like that in the last kick of the game.”
The immediate plans were celebrations although Kevin said he might have to cut them short! “We'll do a wee bit now. I'm back to work Tuesday so I have to take it handy but absolutely, we will celebrate.”