POMEROY’S young captain, Hugh Pat McGeary, is looking to old hands for leadership in Sunday’s All-Ireland Club IFC semi-final.
Twenty-four-year-old Hugh Pat McGeary feels calm heads will be needed at the Athletic Grounds if the Tyrone champions are to overcome Meath side St Colmcille’s.
That composure will come from a handful of players who have been there before. Ciaran McKenna, Denvir Nugent, Martin McKeever and Ollie McCreesh all played in the All-Ireland series 12 years ago, and they will draw on their experience to help the Plunketts deal with the Royal challenge.
“In the Ulster final they were the more composed and comfortable of the players in the changing room beforehand, having a laugh and a joke, while some of us younger players were a wee bit tense on it,” said McGeary.
“But they have been there before, they have done it and they know what’s required in the games.
“They are calm on the big day, but they do take the game by the scruff of the neck when it’s needed. So we will be looking to them massively in this next game.”
Centre-back McGeary expects to encounter a strong, physical team in the traditional Meath style, but he is also aware of the talent that carried them to the Leinster title.
“From what I’ve heard, they’re a big physical side and Meath teams are generally hard-hitting. After they get to know you, then they’ll start playing their football,” he said.
“They have a lot of good players, but I’m hoping that we can stand up to the challenge. I know it’s going to be a big challenge when we get to this stage.”
Pomeroy celebrated the club’s centenary with Tyrone and Ulster titles in an unforgettable season, and while the series has continued into the new year, the Plunketts are targeting an All-Ireland title as another magical chapter in the compelling story of 2016.
“2016 has been an amazing year, and the season’s not over yet. The experience for the young lads, including myself, is great,” he said.
“Some of the boys have been to an All-Ireland semi-final before, but most of us haven’t.”
A nine-week break has broken momentum and interrupted a smooth-running system, but the players have resisted festive excesses and kept themselves in shape during the holiday period.
“You do have to get your break and your rest, but we have had good training sessions,” added McGeary.
“Some of the lads are playing county football, but we have all been keeping in good shape. We have had sharp sessions, and we haven’t lost any fitness or pace over the Christmas holidays. We have kept on top of things and kept ticking over.”
The choice of venue for this weekend’s eliminator has come as a pleasant surprise to the Ulster champions.
Apart from its proximity, Armagh’s Athletic Grounds will provide familiarity, as it was the scene of Pomeroy’s provincial semi-final win over Castledawson.
“I was quite surprised at that. It’s not that far away from Meath, but it’s probably closer to us. And we have played there before, so that’s an advantage,” he said.
