It was a pleasure to be captain - Four Masters Jack McGroarty
There were smiles around for the McGroarty and Britton families in Ardara on Saturday night as captain Jack McGroarty posed for photographs after his Four Masters minor side defeated St Eunan’s to clinch a fifth minor title in-a-row, a record achievement.
Gareth Britton was happy to see his nephew and godchild, Jack, lift the cup, a feat he almost achieved back in 1998, losing the county final to Kilcar after a replay.
For the captain, doing the five in-a-row and being captain was a great honour. “It was, definitely. There’s some great leadership all about the field and it was a pleasure to be captain,” said McGroarty.
“I’m just very happy and proud and it’s a great achievement for the club.”
The Donegal captain won the toss but elected to play against the elements, which worked out really well.
“We were here last week as well and it worked out well so we thought we’d do the same again. It worked out well again today,” said McGroarty.
St Eunan’s got the early scores and went 1-2 ahead but gradually Four Masters got back in the contest and only allowed the Letterkenny side one more point in the opening half.
“We got a few points and that got us going and we kept winning the kick-outs. We just kept building up after that,” said McGroarty, who agreed that the goals at the start of the second half were the big turning point.
“Definitely, and we kept the scores coming. We have worked hard week in, week out in training and that work paid off today.”
With a good few of the side playing for the seniors and reserves, McGroarty said it was good to be training with the seniors and that has brought the standard up.
“We’re getting games with the seniors and reserves and that is helping and the aim is to get into the senior team.”
But on Friday night in Ardara, it was all about celebrating another famous victory with the cup going back to Donegal Town once more.