Ballina pose tricky test for Nemo

AIB All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final: Ballina Stephenites v Nemo Rangers, Ennis, 2pm, (M Deegan, Laois).

THERE was a time when Nemo Rangers were almost untouchable in the club championship, as their record of 14 provincial and seven All-Ireland titles shows. But, that time has passed, as indicated by a return of one national title from their last four trips outside of Munster. That was in the 2003 final against Crossmolina and it came after defeats to them in 2001 and Ballinderry a year later.

Add in the (one-point) defeat at the hands of St Galls from Antrim at the semi-final stage two years ago and it tells you that this championship has become much more competitive over the last decade — and that the present Nemo combination is having difficulty meeting the high standard of previous combinations.