O’Toole: St Loman’s ‘won’t be taking anything for granted’

Ronan O’Toole has been one of the most consistent forwards – both for club and county – in Westmeath football circles in recent years, and the St Loman’s, Mullingar ace is very hopeful that the Flanagan Cup will be adorned by blue and white ribbons around 5.30pm next Sunday.

Overall, from a Gaelic football perspective, O’Toole is delighted with the way that the crazy summer of 2020 has panned out. “In April or May, if you told me that football was going to be on, I would probably have laughed and said ‘no chance’, so I am just delighted to be playing. To be in the county final is an added bonus,” he stated.

St Loman’s hammered Tyrrellspass in their first round robin game, scoring five unanswered goals in the process, but O’Toole expects a totally different challenge from the ‘Tidy Town’ outfit in the decider.

“It will be a different story in the final. They are a changed team and they will be ready for us. We’ve played four games and they’ve all been tough, but we’ve managed to get through them all,” he reflected.

“The game against The Downs was especially tough. I think in that match we showed the character that we have, as well as having a strong panel. Paddy Dowdall came on and greatly steadied the ship in the second half.

“We didn’t have TJ Cox, but Fionn O’Hara came in and kicked a great point when we needed it. It showed the strength-in-depth that we have this year.”

Indeed, there is a degree of uncertainty about the favourites’ lineout for the final. “It looks like TJ won’t get out for the final (due to army duties) and we’re carrying a few knocks. Paul Whelehan has a groin injury and we have a few more niggles,” O’Toole opined.

“It would be nice to have a big crowd there, but I think only 200 are allowed. Regardless, and I think I can speak on behalf of most of the players, we’re just happy to be playing.

“Obviously, it would be great to have all our supporters there, but we’re still grateful that we are playing in the county final.”

Declan Kelly has taken over the managerial reins from Luke Dempsey at the Delvin Road club. Clearly, O’Toole admires both the present and past bainisteoirs.

“I think it’s been a smooth transition. They probably have a different style of play. Luke was great for his five years there and we had great success with him.

“Now Declan is bringing a fresh face in. He has brought in a lot of young lads and has given everyone a chance. I think people are enjoying it,” he added.

He has the height of respect for next Sunday’s opponents. “Tyrrellspass are always a strong outfit with players of the calibre of Ger Egan, Dean McNicholas, Jamie Gonoud, and Darren Quinn in goals. We won’t be taking anything for granted. It will be the toss of a coin. But, hopefully, it goes our way.

“At the start of the year, you had to win five games to guarantee that you would win the county final. We’ve won four and, please God, next Sunday will be the fifth. We’re hoping for another county medal – they are hard won,” O’Toole concluded.

– Gerry Buckley