Hearty hones in on another All-Ireland medal

Paul Hearty has been ever-present between the posts during Crossmaglen's glory years which stretch back to 1997 and the first of their five All-Ireland club titles to date, which came courtesy of a final win over Knockmore of Mayo.

Experience is key in big games like St Patrick's Day deciders, but Hearty is as impressed with the emerging talent in the Crossmaglen side as he is with the more "'mature, experienced crop".

"The young guys have come in and done extremely well for us," said the Cross goalkeeper ahead of tomorrow's AIB All-Ireland Club SFC decider against Garrycastle.

"I think last year's win has just galvanised the whole thing for us. A lot of them probably came into last year I wouldn't say 'green', but a bit inexperienced.

"They all know what it takes now and they all know that they can't stand still. They know that they have to keep improving and it's a good place to be."

Hearty and the Crossmaglen defence were certainly under huge pressure in their All-Ireland semi-final against Dr Crokes last time out.

Balls were flying in from every angle around the Rangers goalmouth, with Hearty pulling off some fine saves while he was reasonably composed under the high ball as the game progress.

The opening stages of the semi-final clash offered a different script though as Dr Crokes powered into a 1-5 to 0-1 lead after 20 minutes.

"The first 20 minutes the last day were pretty abysmal from our point of view," admitted Hearty.

"I think once we got it going after that we kept at it. The important thing was that we didn't give in and it was a sign of great respect and character in the team which epitomised our campaign to date I suppose.

"It was great to see us coming back and getting back at it and coming out with a win ultimately."

Hearty is fully aware of the challenge that the Garrycastle forwards will pose for him this weekend.

The Westmeath side have bagged 7-40 since their Leinster quarter-final win over Longford Slashers - 17 points of that tally from Dessie Dolan, with his cousin James following close behind on 3-6.

"We all know how good a forward Dessie has been over the years. He has been one of the top forwards in Ireland and he will take a lot of watching.

"With seven points the last day he is in impressive form. His cousin has been also and they have a lot of other players that can chip in with scores too.

"It's not a one-man show by any regard and we'll have to be on top of our game to keep up with them and ultimately win the game."

Hearty may have five All-Ireland Club winners' medals and also an All-Ireland success with Armagh, but it never gets any easier for the talented goalkeeper.

"If anything it gets harder!," he quipped. "It's great to be in the place we are, because being competitive for so long we have managed to keep going at this level for a long time.

"We have been lucky with the brand of players that the club has been able to take through and to be competing at this level.

"Where else would you be but in the house looking at Coronation Street?! I'd rather be in Croke Park on St Patrick's Day."