Loughmore Castleiney picked up a crucial victory in the Tipperary hurling championship on Sunday, beating Kilruane McDonaghs by two points at Semple Stadium.
The win takes Loughmore-Castleiney into the quarter-finals which will be played in a fortnight.
Evan Sweeney, who turned 36 on Saturday and is in his 20th year playing with the club, was the hero for the victors. He scored 2-3 in the 2-14 to 2-12 win.
"The victory, that means everything to us," Sweeney told TG4.
"We haven't really performed the last few years, we let ourselves down. Today we said we had to do it; after our performance against Thurles [last week], we weren't happy."
Evan Sweeney ag labhairt linn...
'We haven't really performed the last few years, we let ourselves down...as I said the win is everything' @Loughmore_Gaa @TipperaryGAA @GAA_BEO #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/ghAgS5qaqe— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 16, 2020
Loughmore-Castleiney are a club regularly fighting on two fronts. Next weekend, in the Tipperary Senior Football Championship, they take on Ardfinnan looking to make it three wins from three in their group. In 2013, the club won both the Tipperary senior football and hurling titles.
"Two months ago, three months ago, we didn't even know if we'd be able to play hurling or football," said Noel McGrath.
"To be getting games every Sunday is unbelievable. Where we've come from two or three months ago, whether we'd even be able to go meet out friends [was in doubt] let alone go play matches.
"We'll take matches as they come. To be out playing hurling or football in the middle or summer, whatever it is, we'll go out and give it our all. Whatever comes at the end of the day, we're lucky to be able to go out and play."
Noel McGrath ag labhairt linn
'The was serious intensity there, very very tight. We're delighted to be going through'@Loughmore_Gaa @TipperaryGAA @GAA_BEO #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/PvsOxwpcUo— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 16, 2020
Sweeney, in the twilight of his career, is enjoying the regular club action which the Covid-19 pandemic has forced upon the summer.
"We train Tuesday night and that's it, we're all ready for a match - football or hurling - at the weekend," he said.
"This year, under bad circumstances, it definitely suits me. Travelling from Limerick, two small kids, this system definitely suits me - and long may it continue."
Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Loughmore Castleiney v Kilruane McDonaghs in the Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Loughmore Castleiney: 2-14
Kilruane McDonaghs: 2-12 pic.twitter.com/M26grrw04S— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 16, 2020
