Meelin head into the unknown

MEELIN manager Liam Ryan admits his side are in the dark over the capabilities of their opponents Fullen Gaels in tomorrow’s All-Ireland Club JHC quarter-final in Páirc na hÉireann in Birmingham. The Munster champions flew over this morning as they bid to book a spot in the last four of the competition.

“We’re going into the unknown really as regards our opponents for this game. Normally you’d be hearing plenty stories about a side that you’re playing and how certain fellas are going. But this match is different. That’s not a problem for us though, our policy all year has been to concentrate on our own setup before games and get our own preparations right. Once everyone in our team is 100% ready for the game, then we know we’re capable of performing.”

Midfielder William Murphy is Meelin’s only doubt as he has been suffering from flu all week, while full-forward Jeremy Curtin has shaken off an injury problem that dogged him before Christmas.

“The lads are raring to go really. We had time off after the Munster final win over St Patrick’s and a chance to enjoy that victory but over the last few weeks the focus has solely been on this game. We had a couple of challenge games against the UL Fresher hurling team and the CIT Fresher hurling team. Both those games were very worthwhile against young and lively hurlers. Everyone’s focus at this stage of the competition is to get to Croke Park and our aspirations are no different in that regard.”

Meelin may be operating in an unfamiliar environment but they will not lack support for the clash against the British champions.

“We’ve a huge level of support heading over. I think there’s over 300 people travelling from Shannon, Cork, Dublin, Waterford and all over. It’s a great occasion for supporters, getting a weekend away and seeing the team play abroad. They’ll help to create a carnival atmosphere.”