O’Neills Derry SFC semi-final: Magherafelt v Newbridge (Saturday, 8.15pm, Owenbeg, live on RTÉ Two)
WHATEVER about the hows and the whys, being showcased live on RTÉ2 tonight is a huge deal for Newbridge and Magherafelt.
It adds something to the game. The build-up heightens. This is national television, lads. Best foot forward, don’t forget the skin fade.
When the neighbours met at this stage last year, only one showed up. The way Magherafelt dictated the game’s terms that night was really impressive. They hit Newbridge with an early rally and then just kept ball, left the underdogs dizzy and with no chance of gaining a foothold.
The ‘Bridge scored just 0-2.
But in every barring the absence of Padraig McGrogan, of which the significance may only finally become apparent this evening, so much of the rest of this is being played in a perfect storm for Newbridge.
It was a level beyond hurt they suffered last year. It was embarrassment, watching Magherafelt toy with them, scoring just two points in a championship semi-final. That will drive them.
Magherafelt have not hit their levels this year at all. You can’t take a trio like Eoin McEvoy, Conor McCluskey and Odhran Lynch out of any team and expect it not to show. They wobbled against Dungiven, surviving two late goal chances before notching a breakaway major of their own to ease the nerves.
The gap between the two teams, on the face of it, has narrowed since last year. The biggest concern the ‘Bridge have had as they’ve built this team was the lack of scoring power but Oisin Doherty (younger brother of Conor and Mark), Callum and Shane McGrogan have stepped up. They’re a more offensive outfit under Gary Hetherington and Kevin Brady.
It may not be enough to cope with the sheer depth of resources that Richie Thornton has at his disposal. Eoin McEvoy will come back into the side after returning from his AFL trials in Australia. His brother Michael’s return from long-term injury has solidified them as well. Karl Campbell has been really good deputising for Lynch in goals.
The manner of proceedings will definitely change, but the end result probably won’t.