Weekend GAA previews: Errigal Ciarán have knack of escaping tight spots
Ruairi Canavan, right, and Ciaran McGinley of Errigal Ciarán celebrate their side's first goal, scored by Joe Oguz, during the AIB Ulster GAA Senior Club Football Championship final match between Errigal Ciarán of Tyrone and Kilcoo of Down at BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Every three years, it seemed Kerry and Tyrone clubs are destined to face off in Portlaoise, but the poor weather sends this game up the M7 to the spanking new Newbridge venue. Errigal Ciarán manager and former Tyrone star Enda McGinley has spoken of how difficult it has been to get the lowdown on Dr Crokes but Pat O’Shea might be in the same boat. Clubber archives and TG4 files will have been the order of the day over the Christmas break for both. The Canavan brothers have demonstrated that irrespective of weather conditions class will always shine out and their skills are complemented by the likes of Joe Oguz. O’Shea has once again knocked a great tune out of Crokes although he has a leader in each line and Micheál Burns has been Kerry’s loss and his club’s gain. Much time has elapsed since their respective provincial finals but the Ballygawley side have a great knack of getting out of tight spots in this campaign and can escape again.
Errigal Ciarán.
Unchartered waters for both clubs, which has to be factored in even if Cuala are blessed with multiple All-Ireland winners at either end of the field. Con O’Callaghan is a man for all seasons and won’t mind the heavy sod nor the additional attention that is likely to be paid to him here. Conditions at this time of year are a great leveller but the Connacht champions would have believed in themselves anyway. Niall Murphy will back himself to match if not exceed the exploits of O’Callaghan. The odds against them pulling off a surprise to match the one they performed in the extra-time provincial final win over Pádraig Pearse do them an injustice, even if they will likely fall just shy of it.
Cuala
With his own Tynagh Abbey-Duniry, Mattie Kenny returns to GAA headquarters where he brought Cuala to All-Ireland success eight years ago. His forensic brain will be a huge asset for the Galway men and having the expertise of Shane Maloney and Paul Killeen on the field should be helpful. However, Watergrasshill look a step ahead. Their Munster run was incredibly impressive, at times they have been scoring for fun and they have a forward line led by Adam Murphy and Seán Desmond that should thrive on the pristine Croke Park surface.
Watergrasshill
The battle of the stripey men and an early start for the Shanagarry men but you imagine with Dónal Óg Cusack involved their preparations will be professional for this clash with the Freshford outfit. Some of the St Lachtain’s side have Croke Park experience while the likes of James Maher and Darren Brennan can rely on county pedigree too. Nevertheless, Russell Rovers pack a punch. They have hit the net eight times in their last three games – Brian Hartnett has a real eye for a green flag – and an open game should be right up their street.
Russell Rovers.
The Donnycarney pitch could be pretty heavy for these two and if it manifests itself into a game of football it will be pleasantly surprising. Kilmurry will feel they have been knocking on the door so many times in Munster before finally breaking through it last month that such character will stand to them.
Kilmurry.
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