Sport

Derry's Sean Cassidy is cautious ahead of Christy Ring semi-final against Meath

Derry's Sean Cassidy chases Down's Eoghan Sands in their Christy Ring Group 1 game.<br />Pic Philip Walsh
Derry's Sean Cassidy chases Down's Eoghan Sands in their Christy Ring Group 1 game.
Pic Philip Walsh
Derry's Sean Cassidy chases Down's Eoghan Sands in their Christy Ring Group 1 game.
Pic Philip Walsh

Derry go up against Meath in the semi-final of the Christy Ring Cup in the Athletic Grounds on Saturday afternoon.

After a great opening day victory over Down, Derry struggled past Donegal and were defeated by Wicklow last weekend.

Derry’s Sean Cassidy said that it will be important for his side to regain their stride going into the game against Meath.

Speaking to the Irish News, he said: “We have been trying to get a bit of momentum in the last few games. We started the league really well, but we have stuttered against Donegal and Wicklow so we want to try and regroup and go again.”

Derry reached the semi-final stage of the Christy Ring Cup last year, and were disappointed to not reach the final. Cassidy recalled: “Last year, we probably had to chance to go that step further and get to a final, but didn’t really perform on the day. As a group we refocused and looked at things.

“At the start of the year, we wanted to try and further where we got to last year. We are taking it a game at a time, Meath will be a huge challenge, they were probably favourites going into the competition, but all we can do is take it a game at a time and give it a good rattle.”

Cassidy was disappointed with Derry’s performance last weekend in their defeat against Wicklow, but is looking forward to getting back on the field to take on Meath.

“Looking back on the weekend, we weren’t too happy with our own performance. But at the end of the day, we got through to the semi-final and that’s all that matters. Meath will be a big challenge and the boys will regroup and refocus.

“It will be a step up and we just look forward to the game come the weekend. We may not stand much of a chance. Meath are probably favourites for the competition and are probably playing at a higher level. They have two or three really good players.

"But when it comes to the semi final, on the day, if we play well and gel together, we could make a game of it and just give it our best shot against Meath.”