Glen's Michael Warnock wants to experience that winning feeling at Croke Park

WHEN the Glen players headed for the dressing room and onto the bus heading back to Maghera after their defeat to Kilmacud Crokes last year, one wondered would they be back at this stage again on All-Ireland Club Final Day. 

Those also were the thoughts going through Michael Warnock’s head and the feeling of defeat and heartbreak he experienced is something he does not want to feel again. 

“We know the feeling from last year and that is not a feeling we want to experience again,” he said. “Certainly after last year, you thought after losing, how long a journey it is back, but once you get back into it and getting through the Derry championship and Ulster, you start believing you’re not that far away from this again. 

“It will take a massive performance for us to get over the line. St Brigid’s are standing in our way and it is up to us to bring a performance and get over the line.”

That experience though leaves the Glen man more relaxed and not heading into the unknown this time.

“The only difference is your not experiencing this for the first time, you feel a little bit more relaxed, I felt more relaxed going into the All-Ireland semi final even. Look for both sets of players you are concentrating on the game.”

Before a ball was thrown in, Glen started favourites not just for the county title but also for the Ulster title and only behind Kilmacud Crokes for the All-Ireland. That still feels strange given Glen only won their first ever county crown back in 2021. 

“You would think by people we have been around the block for years but this is only our second ever All-Ireland campaign. Any team that comes out of Ulster is always tipped to have a rattle at it, but we are fully aware that any side that comes out of their province are going to have a good go at it. Any team that beats Corofin is going to be a great side and St Brigid’s are that team.”

The Roscommon side have advanced quietly through the championship with all eyes really on Glen and Kilmacud as they were on course to meet at the semi-final stages, which did happen. St Brigid’s are no strangers to this stage, winners in 2013, and have had numerous successes at county and provincial level over the years. 

“They will have a lot of experience from that side that won it, I am sure a number of those guys are still involved in the club and hopefully we will be able to say the same after the weekend that we have that experience in our own club. Lads in the current team will be looking at that 2013 team and wanting to become and write their name beside them but we won’t just hand it to them,” he said.  

Warnock like his teammates have become celebrity like in and around Maghera, inspiring the children in the club and the future. 

“It is a wee bit surreal, children asking you for your gloves and you feel obliged to give them because I looked up to Derry and Glen players at that age. You want them to experience this as much as I do myself. It is special and great for all of the community. Hopefully in years to come they will be bringing success too. “

Following victories for Arva and Cullyhanna on Sunday last, victory for Glen would make it a clean sweep for Ulster. 

“Be nice to make it three, congratulations to both of them, delighted for both teams. Now it is over to us to make it three out of three and hopefully we can.”