AIB All-Ireland Club Intermediate Football Championship semi-final: Mitchel’s, Magheracloone (Monaghan) v Mattock Rangers (Louth) (today, Crossmaglen, 1.30pm)
MAGHERACLOONE return to the Orchard County today determined to pick off another scalp and book a place in the All-Ireland intermediate final.
The Athletic Grounds at the end of November was the scene of much celebration after the Monaghan champions left 14 months of misery behind them by seeing off Tyrone’s Galbally in the Ulster decider.
Christmas, New Year celebrations, everything was put on hold and this afternoon they roll into St Oliver Plunkett Park in Crossmaglen knowing that victory over Louth’s Mattock Rangers would land them a dream date at Croke Park on January 25.
For the veterans of the team – ageless forward Tommy Freeman, captain James Ward and corner-back Michael Jones – it would be a fitting reward for stellar careers in black, with all three survivors from the club’s only Monaghan senior championship success back in 2004.
But it was the pace and precision of so many of their younger generation who caught the eye against Galbally. The three Kieran boys - Jamie, Barry and Allan – are sons of Magheracloone manager James, and they all stood up when it mattered, with Allan bagging three crucial points.
And, although Freeman demonstrated his class throughout, it was the driving runs of jet-heeled wing-forward Padraig McMahon that unsettled the Tyrone men most, his second half goal setting the Mitchel’s well on the way to victory.
The experienced Gavin Doogan remains a powerhouse at midfield and will take some containing today. Towering full-forward Michael Metzger didn’t hit the heights of his stellar semi-final showing against Down’s Glenn, when he wound up with seven points, but his physical presence makes him a constant threat.
However, there are notes of caution to be struck. In the first half of the provincial decider, Magheracloone threatened to kick themselves out of it with eight wides, as well as dropping three short.
A three-point Freeman burst calmed any nerves and they never looked back from there on in, although it is unlikely Kieran’s men will be afforded the same space to terrorise the Mattock Rangers back line today.
Galbally opted to play without a sweeper and that decision backfired as Magheracloone are lightning quick on the counter – Niall Callan’s Louth champions will doubtless have taken note and can be expected to try and cram the space.
The Collon men, like today’s opponents, have plenty of senior pedigree but it was only a few month ago that they ended a four year stint playing intermediate football in the Wee County.
Mattock had to dig in to get past Kilkenny’s Mullinavat in the Leinster final, having trailed by five with 20 minutes on the clock, but came on strong in the second half to take the title and set up today’s showdown.
With the carrot of a Croke Park appearance on the same day as Dublin welcome Kerry up for grabs, no extra motivation will be needed for either side - but Magheracloone look to have the edge in experience, while their pace would cause most sides problems.
In today’s other semi-final, meanwhile, Kerry champions Templenoe will start as big favourites against Galway’s Oughterard when they face off at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick (2pm).
With six current Kerry players in their team - Tadhg Morley, Gavin Crowley, Adrian and Killian Spillane, Jack Barry and Diarmuid O’Connor – they will take some stopping.
