THE competition for places within the Down panel is keeping everybody on their toes – with Barry O’Hagan admitting it would be no surprise if Paddy Tally rang the changes for Sunday’s Ulster semi-final clash with Cavan.
After a slow start, the Mournemen came good in the second half to see off a dogged Fermanagh side last Sunday, O’Hagan starring with four superb points from play while Caolan Mooney’s turbo boosters helped create the breakthrough goal for Donal O’Hare.
Considering it was their first competitive outing in over eight months, Tally was satisfied with what he saw at Brewster Park – but O’Hagan expects the 15 that started against the Ernemen “most likely” won’t line out at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday.
“Fermanagh had two games [in the National League], but our in-house games are as competitive as anything,” said the Clonduff ace.
“We had a game on the Thursday night and our A team was beat by our B team and that was purely because the B team wanted a place on the panel, a place on the team.
“We need that competition, and we’re getting it. There’s boys at home who maybe didn’t make the 26 who I bet you will make the 26 for Cavan.
“That team that started [against Fermanagh] most likely won’t be the 15 that starts next wee. We adapt to each team, there could be two or three changes, so we’re ready for the next target.”
In the absence of O’Hagan’s older brother Darren - Down captain before injury ended his season - Tally needed other players to step up to the plate when Championship came around.
The likes of Mooney, O’Hare as well as Johnny Flynn, Daniel Guinness and Pierce Laverty all made massive contributions to the victory over Fermanagh, while O’Hagan brought his club form onto the county stage in some style.
“I’ve been knocking,” he smiled.
“I had a decent club championship where I got a bit of an extra fitness in the legs. I enjoyed lockdown, we had a baby girl, Aydá - she’s eight months now. It’s been great because it has been football, football, football.
“There’s a lot of us in a similar age bracket, we’ve a lot of youth, a lot of speed, that’s what our game is. Be patient, be smart. Paddy gives us the role and then we make the decisions on the pitch – what you see is what you play. He leaves that responsibility on us.
“Daniel and Pierce drove and drove, Cavan are going to know that and they’re going to be ready for us. It’s up to us to make sure we’re ready for them.”
Sunday represents a huge opportunity for both counties to reach an Ulster final, and both will fancy their chances of booking a November 22 showdown against the winners of tomorrow’s Donegal-Armagh clash.
Injury ruled O’Hagan out of Down’s last Ulster final appearance in 2017 and while he would love to get another chance, he insists reaching that stage isn’t yet on the Mourne County’s radar.
“I played against Armagh that year, then we were released to play club games. Clonduff played Warrenpoint and I dislocated my shoulder and had to get an operation so that was me out for the year.
“I was there with the boys but listen, we’re not looking next nor near an Ulster final now. We’re only looking at the next step and that’s Cavan – the Ulster final’s not even in our heads.”
