Brian Carroll says it has taken until now for Coolderry to get over the disappointment of losing the 2012 All-Ireland club SHC final to Loughgiel Shamrocks.

Then managed by former Tipperary goalkeeper Ken Hogan, the south Offaly outfit went into the Croke Park decider as favourites, but were blown away by the Liam Watson-inspired northerners. Coolderry subsequently lived in the shadow of Kilcormac/Killoughey before winning back the Sean Robbins Cup for a 30th time following victory over St. Rynagh's last month.

Johnny Kelly's men return to action on Sunday when they face newly-crowned Dublin champions Cuala in the Leinster club SHC quarter-final at O'Connor Park, with Clara of Kilkenny awaiting the winners.

"Loughgiel were worthy champions and they were absolutely excellent on the day," county star Carroll acknowledged in the Irish Sun.

"But I suppose we, as a group of players, probably didn't take that defeat well. It hit us very hard. Kilcormac dominated in Offaly for a few years afterwards and it looked like our chance was gone.

"But we were lucky enough that we had three new guys starting their first final this year. They're hungry and they're looking for their own success and to drive on the Coolderry tradition."

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