Football

Clann Éireann all set to face Rossa in Paul McGirr final

The Clann Éireann team who came through a tough side of the draw to reach Sunday's final 
The Clann Éireann team who came through a tough side of the draw to reach Sunday's final  The Clann Éireann team who came through a tough side of the draw to reach Sunday's final 

GARDRUM PARK, Dromore will host what promises to be a sparkling tie as Armagh champions Clann Éireann and Antrim’s O’Donovan Rossa battle it out for the  Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club title on Sunday.

Despite some poor weather conditions, this year's tournament has been memorable, in particular, for some wonderful attacking displays. On Sunday, we will have probably two of the best young attacking talents in the province on show in Clann Éireann’s Aodhán McConville and Rossa goal-scoring sensation Dominic McEnhill.

With plenty of other top talents on show, there is no doubt the expected large crowd will be treated to a top class contest, with both teams having represented their clubs and counties with immense pride so far.

Clann Éireann would appear to have come through the tougher side of the draw, having impressively disposed of a highly-rated Bredagh in the quarter-final and then coming out on top by the minimum margin after a massive battle last Saturday against a very strong Magherafelt team.

The hero of that semi-final was corner-back Thomas French, who popped up with a beautiful winning point from 35-yards in the final minute. However, there is no doubt French and his defensive colleagues will have their hands full at the opposite end of the field on Sunday.

Jack Haddock at centre half-back had been a rock for his side and has managed to get forward to devastating effect on several occasions in both matches so far. Conor Turbitt has also shown reserves of boundless energy in midfield and the workrate, skill and free-taking ability of wing-forward Rioghan Meehan are something that Rossa will be determined to counter.

Manager Mairtin McConville is well aware of the task facing his side: “The boys have really enjoyed the competition so far and are looking forward to Sunday's final," he said. 

"We are under no illusions about the task ahead and have been very impressed with O'Donovan Rossa in their run up to the final. In that regard, the boys know that nothing short of their best will be good enough on the day and, hopefully, the game will be fitting to the occasion in what is undoubtedly one of the leading youth football tournaments in the GAA calendar."

Rossa overcame Cavan’s Southern Gaels in the quarter-final and were in devastating goal-scoring form last Sunday when they surmounted the threat posed by the hosts, Tyrone champions Dromore.

Although forwards McEnhill and Dáire Matthews have been grabbing the headlines, having amassed 7-3 between them in the two games so far, it is their defensive strength which has been most impressive, having only conceded 10 scores in two games. Central to this has been captain Michael McGreevey and Michael McIvor, both strong and tenacious players and both very disciplined in the tackle.

Rossa also boost the most impressive midfielder in the tournament so far in Eoghan McMenamin and his performance will be key to their chances of annexing the Ulster title, a title they won in 2011. Under the management of Dominic McEnhill, Hugh McGettigan, Déaglán Ó Murchú and Niall Crossan, the west Belfast boys will be travelling down with great hopes of rounding off a terrific season in both football and hurling.

According to McEnhill, their opponents are no strangers to them: “The boys will go into this week’s Paul McGirr final quietly confident they can cause an upset against Clann Éireann," he said.

“After Sunday's semi-final win against host club Dromore, the Rossa lads trained hard this week in preparation for the biggest day in their young football careers. We have played Clann Éireann over the years since U12 in challenge games, but never in competitive competition. Those challenge games were closely contested and we expect Sunday's contest to be equally competitive.

"We watched Clann Éireann in the semi-final and were very impressed with their style of play and physical strength. They have some quality defenders and their forwards were very impressive. They are a well-drilled outfit and compliments must be paid to their mentors in producing such a strong cohesive team.

"Our boys are up for the task ahead and believe that, with a good team performance and a bit of luck, they can bring the Paul McGirr trophy back to west Belfast again," he added. 

"Hopefully the weather will be kind to both teams and allow the game to be a fitting finale to this prestigious tournament."

There is huge anticipation for the game, which throws-in at 2pm on Sunday and the large crowd expected could be in for a thrill as both sides battle it out. All proceeds from the game and the entire tournament go the The Spirit Of Paul McGirr Trust for its work with the poor and needy in Lusaka, Zambia.