St. Patrick’s Athletic substitutes Killian Brennan and Thomas Byrne were understandably in ebullient form after their side’s 2-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park. “I thought the lads were magnificent for the first 80 minutes or so, befo
St. Patrick’s Athletic substitutes Killian Brennan and Thomas Byrne were understandably in ebullient form after their side’s 2-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park.
“I thought the lads were magnificent for the first 80 minutes or so, before I came on. To be fair, we were the best team by a mile all night,” said Brennan, whose late successful spot-kick after a foul on Byrne wrapped-up the points for Liam Buckley’s men. “Myself and Tom came on and did a little bit of showboating. We’re delighted to get the three points.”
“The gaffer just said ‘manage’ the game before I came on,” said Byrne who ‘won’ the late penalty, which Brennan converted with aplomb. “As soon as I saw him put his leg out, I’m looking for the penalty; I was going to do whatever it takes to win,” was the replacement striker’s honest assessment.
“(Kevin) Toner first came over and tried to take it off me,” laughed Brennan of the debate among the St. Pat’s team as to who should assume responsibility for taking the penalty. This also involved Byrne, who was looking for a confidence boosting strike. “Nobody going to take it off me”, declared Killian.
“We needed to close the game out. I despatched that for 2-0 and it was no more than we deserved.”
Byrne explained how he and Killian Brennan have supported each other during their recent lay-offs. “We’ve been pretty much on the same schedule getting back from injury so we’ve both been working very hard. To see the fans after the game; that’s what it’s all about.”
Of the penalty discussion, Byrne declared, “Everybody in the dressing room doesn’t care who puts it in – just as long as it goes in the back of the net.”
Brennan is already looking forward to the challenges that await. “We’ll have to take confidence from tonight. Try to get up the table; try to get Europe. No better night to start than here and Limerick is another one.”
