SHANE McCabe knows how Malachy O’Rourke operates better than most – and he has warned the Fermanagh players that his old boss will have “the inside track” on them going into Sunday’s Ulster semi-final.
Former Erne playmaker McCabe was a central figure when Derrylin man O’Rourke led his native county to an Ulster final 10 years ago, and Fermanagh are now one step away from returning to that stage for the first time since.
However, standing in the road is a Monaghan side rated favourites for the Anglo-Celt after disposing of defending champions Tyrone.
And McCabe believes Farney boss O’Rourke will have no shortage of inside information heading to Omagh on Sunday.
“Within this group of players they would know that Malachy would have a lot of knowledge on them, which could play into Monaghan’s hands,” said McCabe, who is now part of Rory Gallagher’s Erne backroom team.
“He’s proven over the last number of years he leaves no stone unturned and he would definitely have the inside track on Fermanagh. He’d know a lot of the players and a lot of the players’ connections.
“Malachy got a lot of things right with his match-ups [against Tyrone], with his players nullifying some of Tyrone’s key players.
“Monaghan have their own style of play but, at the same time, they have identified players through the years who need to be nullified so we’ll be aware of that. They’ve plenty of players we’d like to nullify but it’s easier said than done.”
In 2008 O’Rourke’s Erne side defeated Monaghan en route to that provincial decider, stunning Derry at the semi-final stage before missing a golden chance to end their wait for an Ulster title, eventually losing out to Armagh following a replay.
After leaving Fermanagh in 2010 O’Rourke didn’t have to wait too long to get his hands on the Anglo-Celt, however, as Monaghan bridged a 25-year gap in 2013 before repeating the trick two years later.
And McCabe wasn’t surprised to see him go on to achieve such success with Fermanagh’s neighbours.
The Belcoo man added: “Malachy’s very knowledgeable and he’s very well respected in Fermanagh – he’s a Fermanagh man. He played when my father was managing the team a long time ago.
“Maybe it didn’t work out for Malachy the following year but, if you speak to any of the players, they’d have been very keen for him to stay on but he went on to the likes of Monaghan and has proven what he can do.
“Now they are a top four team in my eyes. Fermanagh have a lot to prove, the players have a lot to prove as we as management have a lot to prove so it’s going to be a serious task.
“Monaghan have a lot of experience but also a lot of youth coming on there too.”
Yet Fermanagh also have a good mix too, and have developed a strong bond through the spring months during Gallagher’s first year in charge.
McCabe says he does see some similarities with the 2008 group, but admits the change in the game during that 10-year period renders most comparisons redundant.
“The professionalism between then and now has gone through the roof,” continued the Belcoo man.
“The difference in demands between now and 10 years ago is just night and day. The team’s starting to gel, there’s a great buzz about the place, they understand what we’re asking of them and effort will never be lacking.
“If your hunger and desire is lacking as a Fermanagh player, there’s something badly wrong.”
