IAFL 1 Bowl Chat: President Jo Buchanan

With Sunday’s victory over Trinity College Dublin, the ‘Boys are on the road to Navan to play in the IAFL1 Bowl. We’ll be chatting to a few players and coaches to gather their thoughts of recent events. To kick us off, we spoke to Club President Jo Buchanan...

Jo Buchanan running through a gap created by his Offensive Line. Pic credit: Eamon McCormick

A tough game this past Sunday against Trinity. What’s your reaction from the game? Was it maybe a bittersweet win?

Its always great to win a playoff game. We were running in first gear all of the first half but really upped our game in the second half before the game was unfortunately called early. We certainly had more to give in that game, so will be looking to carry that into the Bowl game. Fair play also to Trinity for traveling up with a small squad, they played very well.

There was a great atmosphere around People’s Park on Sunday, great weather and the Lord Mayor in attendance performing the coin toss with a big crowd out to see the Cowboys progress to the Bowl – do you think the crowd played a big part in the game?

It was a brilliant day, especially with the weather being so good so I hope everyone who came to watch enjoyed the game. Of course, having a crowd behind you spurs you on especially when we were losing at half time. It was a combined effort from the players, coaches and spectators that got us going in the second half.

With that win the ‘Boys are officially on the road to Navan to face the Westmeath Minotaurs in the IAFL 1 Bowl final, third final in three years, excited?

I certainly am as is the whole club and our following. Its been a tough two years getting to the bowl then losing so we really want to put the record straight, get the win here and get back into the Shamrock Bowl conference.

Tough opponents in the Minotaurs, and having played them only a few weeks ago, how are you feeling going into the game?

We know they were down a few players so anyone looking at that score line and thinking this will be easy is wrong. They’re a good outfit who play well on all sides of the ball so we will be hard at work this next week and a half training and preparing for what is sure to be a great game.

Finally then Jo, as you do play a mix of linebacker and running back, is there one position you’d prefer to play in the final? Be careful, your Coordinators may be reading this…

I’m happy to play anywhere the team needs me. We are in such a privileged position to be able to play this sport so anytime I get a chance to go on the pitch, I’ll go at it with 100% effort. Really looking forward to getting out there for the Bowl game!