Nicky Rackard Cup 2016, First Round
Fermanagh v Monaghan
Brewster Park, Saturday 3.30pm
Fermanagh hurlers go into Saturday’s Nicky Rackard Cup first round clash against Monaghan as underdogs but with a fine home record over recent seasons anything is possible for Sean Duffy and Seamus McCusker’s side.
4 games in total in the Nicky Rackard Cup will all take place on Saturday at 3.30pm in Enniskillen, Armagh City, Carrickmore and Swords to see the 4 winner’s progress to round 2A to then face a winner before a Semi final ticket will be assured by two sides.
For Fermanagh they will come into the game after an encouraging league performance but sadly promotion just failed after an extra time defeat to Tyrone for a place in NHL Division 3A for 2017.
Monaghan’s NHL season seen them win 3 of their 5 games to book a league final place with Roscommon. In that league final the Farney County were defeated in Ballyshannon, 4-15 to 0-7.
Fermanagh are backboned by an encouraging defence with Andrew Breslin (pictured) being highly impressive in this year’s league campaign alongside Matthew Teague. Midfield duo John Duffy and Ryan Bogue are incredible skilled hurlers while attackers Sean Corrigan and captain Declan McGarry are the main sharp shooters in the team.
Monaghan ‘s defence have the talented Patrick Finnegan and Peter Treanor in defence while midfielder Aaron Kenny can cause serious damage. Stephen Lambe hit 2-33 in 6 games this season already and Fermanagh will be well warned on Lambe’s quality. Mark Treanor is another quality attacker who can hurt the Ernesiders and this duo in particular will need to be curtailed.
So like any game it may well come down to hunger on the day.
Monaghan started well against Roscommon but faded away badly after the dismissal of star attacker Stephen Lambe. One must remember they still defeated quality sides such as Louth, Fingal and Warwickshire in the league.
For Fermanagh there was considerable criticism after the defeat to Tyrone, many felt any side that topped a league table should have been rewarded with promotion but sadly we can only go by the GAA rules. The playoff defeat to our neighbours Tyrone was disappointing but let’s hope all eyes will now be on Monaghan and a run in the Nicky Rackard Cup.
Good luck to the management and players on Saturday.
