Nally rallies Athenry troops for Toom clash

PAT NALLY, the man who guided Athenry to two All-Ireland club hurling titles in 2001 and 2002, believes the current side can again capture the national crown on St Patrick’s Day.

Nally, now working with the club's minor side, bases his opinion on the strength of the squad which boasts experience and youth.

"My time with Athenry was fantastic and the success we had was phenomenal. Winning three All-Irelands gave you the will to carry on, but I often thought about the poor managers of the teams we beat in the finals," said Nally, who played with his native Garrymore in an All-Ireland club football final against Nemo Rangers.

"You have got to see it from both sides. If you can't, you'll never be the manager you should be."

Paul Hardiman, Brian Feeney and Joe Rabbitte are around the 34-year mark and Nally is confident they still perform a valuable role.

"An awful lot of the young lads have matured. You have another group around the 29 age bracket, more in their mid-twenties and a younger group of Diarmuid Cloonan and the O'Donoghue brothers. It's a great mix, the kind of a mix you really need to win an All-Ireland."

Eugene Cloonan agrees: "When you see what they're doing at their age, it's easier for the younger players to do it.

"Joe Rabbitte took a few months off at the start of the year, but we knew he would be back. And players who would have been on the fringes a few years ago are getting their chance. That's what gives you the appetite to keep going, when you see the enthusiasm they bring to the team."

Perceived as the club's main scorer and likewise for Galway Cloonan says it doesn't put him under pressure.

"We have some great leaders and they are a great help. Any team that wants to be successful needs players who are prepared to take on responsibility."

He rejects the notion that Athenry see themselves as potential champions.

"We are not looking beyond Saturday's game with Toomevara. This is our All-Ireland final. You have two good teams on the other side. I'd say that all four semi-finalists are fairly equal."

Nevertheless, the club's last two final wins are so fresh as to stimulate the interest of the players to emulate them. For Cloonan, the last win (over Doora/ Barefield) was the one which satisfied him most.

"The previous year we lost by a (controversial) point in the semi-final. It took a huge effort to come back again. That was what made it so special."

And he is optimistic Galway can make an impact in the championship.

"The last few years didn't go well. Yet Galway clubs won All-Irelands.

"The new system this year will give us three games at least."