'Some of our boys are haunted by a one-point loss to Pres Athenry two years ago' - Thurles CBS boss

As the excitement builds for the upcoming All-Ireland Hurling Final, Thurles CBS manager Niall Cahill reflects on a remarkable journey that has brought his team to this pinnacle of school hurling.

“It’s a great stage of the season again, and you’re there now on the biggest day so it is great for the group, their families and the school community.

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“For us now it is about performing,” Cahill emphasized during a recent interview in the school which has pictures of winning teams and jersey worn in a variety of arenas by past pupils. The colour across the school is fantastic as the players prepare for playing on the Croke Park sod.

The road to Dublin has not been without its challenges. Cahill noted, “We set out at the start of the year to do as well as we possibly could, but you always hope to get here.

“You have to jump so many hurdles; you just couldn’t look past even the group stages.” Indeed, the group that included formidable opponents like Flannan’s who tested the resilience of the team.

“After a decade-long wait since their last final appearance, Cahill is keenly aware of the significance of this moment.

“It’s been 10 years since we were here last time.

“You don’t get to All-Irelands too often, so it is important to enjoy them and savor the atmosphere,” he said.
However, he also urged his players to remain grounded.

“For the boys to keep their feet on the ground is vital to ensure that what we’ve done all year serves us well.”

The path to success has also included overcoming disappointment.

Cahill spoke about the team’s growth from previous near misses, stating: “The boys in the panel this year have experienced a lot of hurt over the last couple of years.

“Until you’re involved in it, you can tell the boys all the stories in the world, but they don’t really believe it until they actually go through the hurt.”

Cahill highlighted the contributions of key players like Robbie Ryan, who is playing in his fourth year of hurling, a rarity at this level.

“Just to keep driving them on as a group is massive,” he noted.

“It can happen—you can have a bit of bad luck any given year, but thankfully for the boys this year, they’ve worked exceptionally hard.”

The support from the management team has also played a crucial role in their success. “We’re very lucky as a management group that the boys were so professionally looked after for the last number of years,” Cahill said, crediting Eamonn Buckley and others for their contributions over the years in building the culture within the school.

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As the final against Presentation Athenry looms, Cahill is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. “It’s going to be a tough final on St Patrick’s Day in Croke Park,” he said, noting the strength of their opponents.

“Some of our boys are still haunted by a one-point loss to Pres Athenry two years ago, and they know the quality they possess.”

Cahill pointed out key players on both sides, while praising his own squad’s talent.

“We’re littered with top quality good players, but they have top quality too.

“It’s going to be a massive occasion, and we need to rise to the challenge.”

As the countdown continues to the final whistle, Cahill’s message is clear: “We’ve got to play as well as we've been playing during the year and lift it another little bit.”

With determination and a strong sense of unity, Thurles CBS is ready to face the challenge head-on. The stage is set for a thrilling All-Ireland Final, and all eyes will be on Croke Park this St Patrick’s Day.