Key Gaeltacht forwards struggling for fitness

Munster Club champions An Ghaeltacht could be without two key forwards for Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against London club Tara in Ruislip.

Aodán MacGearailt was forced off in Sunday's provincial final with a recurrence of a hamstring injury and has little chance of being fit.

Tomás Ó Conchúir, who went into the game with the same injury, managed to last the 60 minutes but eam trainer Fergal Ó Sé says he is also struggling.

There was no repeat of the celebrations following An Ghaeltacht's first county final win two years ago which cost them a place in the Munster final in 2001.

"Despite our historic victory on Sunday, celebrations have been very low key which is a tribute to the players and team management," said Ó Sé who played well at corner back.

"We want to go the whole way now and with the next round just a week away, players are being sensible.

"It's the last game in the competition before the Christmas break, and it would be stupid if we didn't take our opponents seriously.

"Nemo Rangers were fortunate to come away with a three point win over the London champions in 2001, and last year they made it very difficult for Crossmolina who won by just two points.

"There is always the thought in the back of our mind that one day the unthinkable will happen. Hopefully it won't on Sunday. We'll be cautioning the players to take nothing for granted. There's too much at stake now.

"We're not going to make the mistake we made when we won the Kerry title for the first time two years ago. At the same time the lads were entitled to celebrate this historic win.

"We had a very good night in Tralee and later in West Kerry when we brought home the cup. It would be fair to say the celebrations were done in moderation and it's back to serious training tonight."

Ó Sé said: "St. Senan's really put it up to us and I was very pleased with the way we responded.

"A lot has been made of our team because it includes five inter-county players, but that is not fair on the rest of the squad. It's the ordinary players who have pulled us through this year, and they don't get the credit for it.

" I thought Sean Sithigh at corner back, Pól Ó Cuinn at midfield and Tomás Ó Conchúir at wing forward were outstanding on Sunday.

"Overall it was great occasion for the club to win a Munster title at the first time of asking. It may not have been pretty to look at but our supporters enjoyed it and made their feelings known at the final whistle when they swarmed onto the pitch.

An Ghaeltacht will fly from Shannon on Saturday and return on Sunday. Throw-in at Ruislip is 2pm and Sean McCormack (Meath) is referee.