WHAT a weekend it was for Ulster clubs and to now have representation in the All-Ireland final at all three levels shows that football in the province is of the highest quality and is certainly something we should be proud of.
At junior level, Stewartstown showed their resilience to force extra-time before going on to beat Galway’s Clifden.
Having played both with and against some of the Stewartstown squad, I can safely say their attitude of never giving up and leaving absolutely everything they have on the field is standard for them.
There is a good mix of youth and experience in their team, with men who have seen it all and been there for both the good and bad days, and younger players who have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.
They face Fossa in the final at Croke Park on Sunday, and the force of the Clifford brothers. It will be a challenge, of that there is no doubt, but two individuals don’t make a team, and if Stewartstown stick to their plan and play as a team there is no reason why they can’t come out as All-Ireland champions.
Galbally will take to the field after Stewartstown aiming to become Intermediate champions.
As a community, they have been through more than their fair share of tragedy and loss over the past few months and I have no doubt they will give their absolute all to make those who have gone before us as proud as possible.
Galbally also face a Kerry team in their final, Rathmore.
It is sure to be another tough battle and Rathmore have put in some high-scoring, notable performances in their run to the decider but the men in blue have the skill and the attitude to be able to run out as worthy winners.
There will be plenty of noise from Tyrone in the stands on Sunday, willing both teams to do themselves justice and hoping help with the extra lift it takes to keep going in the dying minutes of a game.
The following weekend it will be the turn Watty Graham’s to represent Ulster on the big stage.
Having watched Glen’s performance in the semi-final against Moycullen, it is clear that if they can carry that drive and determination into the final against Kilmacud Croke’s they will do both Derry and Ulster proud.
Their supporters have travelled the length and breadth of the country to get behind their team and the players have matched their efforts on the field.
Kilmacud will be difficult opponents with their team full of players used to Croke Park and the pressures of a final.
Glen also have players with plenty of experience and a management team who have seen it all, so they will be well prepared and it will be a case of holding their nerve and not letting the occasion get to them.
Playing in Croke Park can be intimidating at the best of times but to be able to run out at Headquarters wearing your club jersey with family and close friends around you is an experience that is unmatched.
Croke Park is a vast open space, made to seem all the bigger when the stands are only partially occupied. The adrenaline will be in full flow and it is difficult not to let the occasion get to you.
I remember when the Moy made it to the intermediate final in February 2018, it was unlike any other game I’ve ever played in Croke Park.
As close as friendships become as county players, nothing compares to representing your club on the big stage.
The crowd will seem ‘small’ in comparison to what we are used to seeing Croke Park, but I have no doubt that plenty of Ulster Gaels – and not just those from Tyrone and Derry – will happily make the trip to Dublin over the next couple of weekends to support our clubs and help carry them over the final hurdle.
There will be plenty of noise and, as a player, to hear the roar and then look up and see family, friends and recognise all the faces is something very special.
It is difficult, but so important, to channel all that energy from the crowd and try to not let it become overwhelming. To have nerves, excitement and expectation on your shoulders but still be able to focus clearly on the task ahead is no mean feat.
To be able to mentally treat it like any other game but absorb the magnitude of the occasion is such a difficult thing to do but if anyone lets the occasion get to them then it’s game over.
There is no right or wrong way to prepare for a game like those ahead, and the players have done all the training necessary at this stage, they know their team-mates inside out so it is down to who holds their nerve on the day.
My only advice would be to enjoy the build-up, enjoy seeing all generations coming together and the support of your community, take it all in and be confident that you are up to the task ahead.
Take the morning of the game slow, don’t do anything different or extra in the days before the game, get rest, plenty of nutrition and keep things simple.
It is a once in a lifetime experience, so don’t forget to enjoy it because it will go past like a blur.
The very best of luck to all involved, roll on the celebrations.
