IT’S 258 days since Glen skipper Connor Carville hoisted the Andy Merrigan Cup into the Drumcondra sky.
The Maghera men are back walking down the knock-out championship road again and put their county, provincial and All-Ireland titles on the line against Lavey on Saturday evening.
A first-half Shane McGuigan penalty for Slaughtneil was the difference as Glen lost their first Derry championship game under Malachy O’Rourke in their opening fixture back in August. It left second spot in the group the best they could muster. With Ethan Doherty their shooting star, Glen kept their heads above water for rest of the campaign.
A glance at their pathway in three seasons and you see etchings of a progression towards peaking when it matters.
This year that time is earlier. That day is today. After losing two games by a point, Lavey’s stock has been rising. And they are well set up.
Rory McGill, Ryan Mulholland, Patrick McGurk and Ciaran Hendry have been their collective driving force.
For Glen, there was no Eunan Mulholland, Jack Doherty, Conor Glass or Ciaran McFaul on view in their last outing. Substitute Alex Doherty hit the net with his first touch. Glass was forced off injured against Dungiven.
Cathal Mulholland is home from his travels but yet to feature. On the flip side, Danny McDermott has a season behind him after a shoulder injury.
It’s the trickiest quarter-final Malachy O’Rourke and Ryan Porter’s planning will have endured yet. An interesting tie awaits.
The second game on Saturday evening pairs Newbridge and Bellaghy in a derby clash.
Newbridge earned the right to rest a host of key players in their defeat against Ballinascreen with top spot already guaranteed.
In contrast, today is Bellaghy’s second dose of jeopardy after coming through their must-win clash with Swatragh.
The sides met three years ago, when underdogs Bellaghy chinned Newbridge, with goalkeeper Peter Stuart’s dramatic winner securing a quarter final spot.
Despite the loss of Paudi McGrogan, the ‘Bridge have been one of the form teams but they’ll take the field with their eyes wide open.
Slaughtneil take on Ballinascreen in the first of two quarter-finals at Owenbeg on Sunday.
It’s a second season at the helm for Mark Doran at Emmet Park. With former Derry minor captain Fionn McEldowney among their young blood bedded in, the Emmets have been the team putting their hand up highest thus far.
By contrast, ‘Screen booked their spot ahead of Loup on scoring difference with victory over a Newbridge group already mentally checked into the knock-out stages.
Their reward is a tough task of toppling a Slaughtneil side who will again have a major say in the title race.
The final game of the weekend pits last year’s beaten finalists Magherafelt against a youthful Dungiven side who have made buckets of improvements.
Just ask Glen. The Watties just about hung on at home to beat Dungiven, who have slotted their young guns in around Kevin Johnston, Thomas Brady and Conor Murphy.
Magherafelt had their quarter-final spot secured ahead of the final group game but will be without Eoin McEvoy who is down under on AFL trials.
Derry star Conor McCluskey is yet to feature, while there is a doubt over goalkeeper Odhrán Lynch who missed action in the group stages.
It’s a tricky encounter for Rossa and another test for Dungiven who have picked up form at the right time.
Quarter-finals (all games at Owenbeg)
Saturday
Glen v Lavey (5.15pm)
Newbridge v Bellaghy (7pm)
Sunday
Slaughtneil v Ballinascreen (4.45pm)
Magherafelt v Dungiven (6.30pm)
