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.

However, the more immediate challenge for Ephie Fitzgerald’s team is to overcome the challenge posed by Ballina Stephenites in Ennis tomorrow.

Indeed, while they weren’t pushed too hard in their Munster campaign, they were lucky to escape with a draw against Clonakilty in the Cork quarter-final. And, if they weren’t over-impressive in the final against Ilen Rovers, they proved their worth when it really mattered at the finish.

Ballina took a third provincial title in eight seasons when they defeated Roscommon side St Brigid’s by two points. In general, the standard in Connacht has risen steadily in recent years, given that no All-Ireland title went west until Corofin’s breakthrough in 1998. Since then, four other teams — including Ballina — were successful.

A lot will depend on how successful James Masters is in the Nemo attack, but it will also require strong performances from Paul Kerrigan and others in attack.

It’s clear that Nemo will have to hit top form if they are to advance.

* Verdict: Ballina.