Tailteann Cup Group 4, round three
Fermanagh v Antrim (Sunday, the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 3pm)
FERMANAGH manager Kieran Donnelly says it's no surprise that his side and Antrim are set for a winner-takes-top-spot clash this Sunday, and that they will have to be wary of the Saffrons’ scoring threat if they are to get the win.
They contested a dramatic league match back in February, when Fermanagh came from eight points down to win by one, with Sean Quigley netting a late goal. That result proved to be crucial as Fermanagh went on to be promoted from Division Three.
The Ulster counties’ respective league positions meant that they were the two highest seeded teams going into Group 4 of the Tailtean Cup, and although Fermanagh had a slip up when they drew against Wexford, it was always expected that they and Antrim were on a collision course, with this game determining who would top the group.
“I think a lot of people would have predicted that it would come down to the last game of the group between ourselves and Antrim for the top spot, and that’s what has materialised,” said Donnelly.
“The two teams know each other really well, having met at the start of the year in the league. We know Antrim’s qualities; they have pace from deep, they have experience with players like Peter Healy, Dermot McAleese, and Ruairi McCann.
“Also, they have scored heavily throughout the Tailteann Cup, so we’ll have to be very wary of that threat.”
As mentioned, Fermanagh dropped a point when they drew 1-13 apiece with Wexford in the first group game, but they recovered to defeat Leitrim 1-19 to 2-7.
That win eases the pressure on Fermanagh, as they are guaranteed at least a preliminary quarter-final game, but for Donnelly, the lure of top spot means they will be giving Sunday’s clash their all.
“It’s a big game for both teams in the respect that both will want to finish top, get into the quarter-final, and get that extra week of rest,” he said.
“Look, you want to go and win every championship game, but it will absolutely be a bonus to finish top. As much as we have enjoyed playing games week on week, it does take its toll. So, to have the extra week’s rest before a potential quarter-final will be a big help to squads. That’s the big prize for this weekend’s winners.”
On the injury front, Fermanagh have been without Darragh McGurn in recent weeks, whilst Sean Quigley hasn’t been fully fit, but Donnelly says that his side are approaching the crunch clash with the luxury of a clean bill of health.
“We’re lucky enough because we’re going into the weekend with a full complement,” he said.
“That’s a massive bonus for us, especially because it looks as though the weather is going to be hot this weekend, and the games have been coming thick and fast. So, it’s important to have a full squad going into the latter stages of the season.”
Whilst some argue that there are too many championship games under the new format, Donnelly is a fan, and he has been delighted to have the opportunity to test out the depth of his squad in the first two fixtures.
“We have had a chance to take a look at players in both games we have played so far,” he said.
“We have a competitive squad at the minute, and having the extra games has allowed us to try out different combinations. The more championship games the better, and I think it has been really good for our squad to get that exposure of more games.
“Knowing that you’re guaranteed three games allows you to try to experiment and try things out, which you maybe wouldn’t do if it was straight knockout. I think it’s a good format, because the more a team plays, the more they grow in confidence, and the more players develop.”
