In 2019 when Derrygonnelly and Kilcoo met in the semi-final of the Ulster Club Championship a bit of "cuteness" from Kilcoo's Conor Laverty was the difference between the sides, according to Derrygonnelly full-back Tiarnán Daly.
The pair would be familiar with each other, with Laverty coaching Daly during his time at Trinity College Dublin.
It was a game in which Dalybelieves the Harps more than held their own against the eventual Ulster Champions.And it is an experience that will stand to Derrygonnelly when the sides meet on Sunday.
"We did stand up to them, apart from that slippy goal they got in 2019. That was the quick thinking of Conor Laverty for the quick free kick. It's just that cuteness and maybe we were a little naïve in 2019.
"We went toe-to-toe with them, and I felt we played very well in parts of that game, but it was probably their little bit of cuteness, a little bit more know-how that got them over the line. I think it will stand to us.
Commenting on the influence of Laverty has both on and off the pitch Daly added: "Having known Conor with my time in Trinity, you know what he brings to the table not just in his performance but what he can bring in the changing room, and that sort of leadership role."
But is not just Laverty who Daly, a doctor in Dublin, and his fellow defenders will have to worry about.
He knows there is quality all over the pitch for the Down side: "I see a lot of similarities in the two teams. There are lots of sets of brothers, which is always interesting when you come to club level.
"You have the Branagans there who have just been a formidable force in defence and have serious pace coming out, and that's really where they build.
"Then you look at the Johnstons as well – another set of brothers – and Sheelan coming up is an exciting talent coming out of Kilcoo and has shown that on the big stage in the Ulster Club.
"There are fires to be put out everywhere, but I think we have enough ammo to deal with them and maybe give them a few problems as well," said Daly.
But Daly is part of a well-oiled defensive machine in Derrygonnelly. And it is this platform that gives their forwards the chance to do what they do best, which could be seen in the semi-final win against Clann Eireann when two of their three goals came from turnovers in defence.
"We build our foundation on our defence and that's probably what has got us so far in the past couple of years – a really strong defence, and to build upon that.
"Fellas know when you go a man down when things go wrong on the pitch, which they do, it's just a matter of going back to your default, and you build again, and thankfully we are able to do that."
A sending off in each of their Ulster Club games against Dromore and Clann Eireann have shown how well Derrygonnelly can adapt with Daly saying the player's knowing their role inside out is a testament to their training.
That training will be tested to the limit on Sunday against a quality Kilcoo side, but Daly knows there is a chance to make some history as well.
"When we look back, no matter how it goes, it's been an incredible run, but we are definitely looking to push on and we know we have the calibre to do that," he added.
