Tremendous show of sportsmanship from Dublin captain Cian O’Callaghan.
Seán Brennan cut a forlorn figure at Parnell Park, last night, as he tried to take in his side’s Leinster under-21 hurling quarter-final defeat to Kilkenny.
The Dubs had dominated the first half of their knock-out encounter and, at one stage, led by five points. Indeed, they led for 59 minutes only to lose at the death.
Brennan, who missed a second-half penalty, denied Chris Bolger with a magnificent save that looked crucial in the closing stages.
With merely minutes to play, however, Brennan collided with his post as he stooped to cover a goal-bound strike by the Cats’ Mark Mansfield. The shot evaded him and the sliothar lapped against the net.
Mansfield’s goal sealed a remarkable win, 4-12 to 2-16, for Kilkenny and sees them advance to a semi-final against Carlow. It is certainly a boon for five of their young squad, who, today, start their Leaving Cert exams.
Brennan sunk to his haunches, leaning on a hurl, as the final whistle blew.
It was at that moment that O’Callaghan, Dublin’s all action corner-back, proved just why Joe Fortune, his manager, made him captain.
O’Callaghan headed straight for the distraught Brennan – a clubmate at Cuala (Dalkey) – and tried his best to console him.
Both men will have better days, we are sure, but last night, when they were at their lowest ebb, the Dublin duo were captured in a sporting moment that may find no equal this summer.
