'A bit of extra help' Niall Cahill of Thurles CBS says Dillon Quirke inspired their Harty win

Thurles CBS has emerged victorious in the Harty Cup against St. Flannan's, a win that not only marks their first title since 2015 but also serves as a poignant tribute to the late Dillon Quirke, a cherished member of the team back then. In an emotional interview, manager Niall Cahill shared how he drew on the spirit of Quirke to inspire the players.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Cahill noted, "There’s an awful lot of the team that are out in Sydney... just gone working abroad at the minute." The spirit of unity of 'Harty players' over the era is palpable.

Niall Cahill wore Dillon Quirke's jersey today under his tracksuit top. He was hoping he could gather a little something extra, something spiritual.

The Kilkenny native, now chair of Nenagh Eire Og juvenile club, expressed how deeply Quirke’s legacy influenced the school, saying, "I just wanted a bit of extra help... I grabbed number two, Dillon’s jersey, wore it underneath."

The significance of Quirke's contribution to the Harty Cup was clear to everyone involved. Cahill stated, "It was just something that I just wanted help from Dillon today... he would have loved that."

This emotional connection was further emphasized by a poster in the dressing room depicting Quirke wearing his Harty Cup jersey, symbolizing the bond shared among teammates and the impact the Clonoulty Rossmore club member had on their lives.

The match itself was fiercely contested, with Cahill acknowledging the strength of their opponents: "Credit to Flannans... they’re an outstanding team."

The conditions were challenging, but the players persevered, bolstered by the spirit of Dillon who won his Harty medal at the same venue a decade ago. "Sometimes you just need a bit of help on different days, and no better man than Dylan to give a bit of help," he remarked.

With critical performances from players like goalkeeper Harry Loughnane, who played through injury, the team’s determination shone through.

Cahill praised Loughnane's effort, stating, "By God, I’d hate to go tomorrow without Harry Loughnane any day, he’s just one of a kind."

The victory is not just a trophy but a heartfelt tribute to Dillon Quirke, cementing his legacy within Thurles CBS. As they celebrated their win, the emotional resonance of the day was unmistakable, encapsulating both triumph and remembrance.