If Ken Hogan pulled a ball down from over the crossbar 30 years ago, he didn’t have to worry about being stymied by technology.
His son Brian's athleticism in fielding long range efforts from Lee Chin and John Donnelly in the All-Ireland semi-final and final was impressive, albeit Hawk-Eye rendered it redundant by ruling that the ball had passed over the crossbar and between the posts on both occasions.
“He is perturbed about [last Sunday] because he did feel that he was well ahead,” says Ken.
“He knew that it hit the crossbar with his hand the last time but that didn’t happen [last Sunday].
“From that perspective, he is just a bit puzzled about that but thanks to be God, it all worked out.”
Hogan says that having a son win his first All-Ireland 30 years after he did likewise is “embarrassing, really”.
“Thirty years is a long time and most of those guys weren’t even born. They know nothing about it. And that is the way it should be, too.
“We are yesterday’s men. It is just coincidental that the lads are achieving in 2019, 30 years after. And Brian was lucky enough to be playing between the posts.
“But he was driven all year by the other two keepers who have worked with him, Paul Maher and Barry Hogan. And they are the guys who keep you on your toes.”
Hogan blames his brother Hubert for the fact that Brian followed him into goals.
“He was over the under-14 team and Brian was maybe nine at the time. And sure, he was nearly as tall as he is now.
“He stepped into the mantle of goalkeeper. He prefers to play out the field, he plays centre-back for the club.”
He added: “It was pretty nerve-wracking watching him. Goalkeeping is unique and it is a different position to corner-back or corner-forward.
“So, it’s nerve-wracking and it is emotional too, emotional at the time, but great to see it.”
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