Civic reception postponed as new Connacht champions prepare for leap into the unknown

Plans for a civic reception outside the offices of Sligo County Council last night were shelved in preference for a lower key visit to a few heartland clubs in the county.

Easkey, the home of team captain Noel McGuire and Eastern Harps, base for five members of the extended panel, were among them.

Tonight it's back to training and a probable recovery session in a local pool as thoughts turn to an All-Ireland quarter-final in less than four weeks' time.

As a statement of intent for what is to come, aborting a civic reception to toast a first provincial title success in 32 years lays down a serious marker.

Celebratory

The former Kerry great Pat Spillane recalled how, in 1975 after their previous Connacht final triumph, they came to Croke Park for an All-Ireland semi-final against the Kingdom in August still in celebratory mood.

During the pre-match parade the players starting waving to friends and relations in the crowd and at once Spillane knew Kerry's path to the All-Ireland final was secured.

This time the party mode is on hold for the team.

"There'll be plenty of time for a reception or whatever later in the year whenever our interest in the championship is over," admitted Breheny yesterday. "We just didn't think it was an appropriate time, even though it's something that should be celebrated," he acknowledged.

"But there's a lot of improvement in this team yet. We won the match on Sunday but were disappointed with aspects of our performance. We can do better and we want to show how much better we can do," said Breheny.

"Of course our free-taking was a worry. But there was a very tricky wind there blowing across the field at times.

"Normally our free-takers are very reliable. But what people forget is that Galway had the same trouble too."

His own inter-county career ceased prematurely in 1997 prior to Sligo's Connacht final defeat to Mayo that year.

However, Breheny never imagined 10 years on that he'd be the man with the reins in his hand steering them to the Promised Land.

Even when he took over reluctantly 17 months ago after Dominic Corrigan's sacking he convinced himself that it would only be for a couple of weeks.

"I was asked to take a couple of sessions and I told them that was all it would be.

"They were waiting to find another manager, but I don't think they looked too hard. I was left with it, but when I saw the determination and the interest the players had I decided I had to make the time."

Respectability

They got to the end of the season with respectability again secured and then Breheny went on a recruitment drive that he feels ultimately has been the difference between success and failure.

"In Sligo the pick is so small that you can't afford to have players looking in across the wire. We needed everyone making some contribution."

Two of those who came back into the fold earlier in the year played major roles when the game was in the melting pot on Sunday.

Talented pianist Kieran Quinn had opted out in 2005 to pursue an unusual degree in Jazz Performance at the Newpark Music Centre in Dublin's Blackrock.

In the last quarter of Sunday's epic battle Quinn put those delicate fingertips to different use, plucking two crucial Philip Greene kick-outs from the sky to keep Sligo on the front foot.

Behind him Michael McNamara's insurance score on 70 minutes justified his decision to turn his back on a professional contract with Sligo Rovers at the end of last season.

Dara McGarty, Johnny Martyn and Brendan Phillips, all survivors from 2002 when Sligo were last fashionable, also threw their shoulder to the wheel.

Collectively it nudged the county forward more than anyone imagined.

"Just having them around was reassuring. None of them took persuading. They all wanted to play for Sligo again," said Breheny.

McNamara had spent a couple of seasons as the Rovers centre-half. Breheny always sensed he had the composure and brain to fulfil the same role.

For McNamara a professional life with Rovers was never an option.

Professional

"The club opted to go professional at the end of last season and that left me with a choice that didn't take long to make.

"I was always determined to come back and play with Sligo and my timing has been good."

Taking the next step up is something Sligo are anxious to prove. As ever it's the indefatigable Eamonn O'Hara who makes the soundbites on that.

"We've beaten some of the best teams over the last few years in championship, Tyrone, Kildare and now Galway.

"It would be very easy after 32 years to rest on our laurels and say, 'that's it we've reached the summit'. But one medal doesn't make a collection and while I'm delighted with it, I want to add to it."

O'Hara had a scan on his injured right knee yesterday and won't know the results or the extent of the damage until this morning.

"He's not sure what it is and neither are any of our medical team," said Breheny.

"We're quite hopeful it's nothing too serious," he added.

- Colm Keys