Fermanagh’s U21 hurlers bid for All-Ireland success this Saturday in the All-Ireland Under-21 ‘C’ Final when they take to Healy Park, Omagh this Saturday (July 23rd) at 3.00pm against Donegal.
It could be argued that the Fermanagh hurling has had somewhat of a disappointing year with constant defeats in Division 3A relegating themselves to the lowest tier possible for 2017 and defeat after defeat in the Nicky Rackard Cup was compounded with a defeat by Louth which now sees them playing in the Lory Meagher Cup in 2017.
Last season’s winners, Donegal, will go into the game as strong favourites after coming through the more difficult side of the draw with wins over Tyrone and Louth.
Fermanagh on the other hand received a walkover in the Quarter Final after Longford were unable to field and in the Semi final they were to get the better of Sligo, 2-13 to 1-12.
Fermanagh will be looking to their talisman, Ciaran Corrigan, for guidance this weekend. The talented dual star who also played for Fermanagh Under-21 footballer’s this year has a real eye for goal and will be a constant threat on the Donegal defence. Other notable players include in-form Lisbellaw goalkeeper, Colum McPhillips, and midfielder Thomas Cleary who will both have to have a massive bearing on the game, along with players such as Barrie Duffy who missed the Semi final victory due to a hand injury but hopes to play some part on Saturday.
Donegal were to get the better of Louth in their Semi final, winning on a scoreline of 4-11 to 1-10. Things were not looking that rosy for the Tir Chonaill lads at half time though when they were losing 1-8 to 0-6. A terrific second half performance from Tom Hennessy’s charges seen them eclipse Louth and thanks to goals from Sam Doherty (2), Matthew Ahern and Paul Nelson it was Donegal who would seal a Final place with a 10 point victory.
It is understood, speaking to several players this week that are involved with the Fermanagh team that preperations and feelings are in high spirits in the Erne camp. According to Fermanagh’s Sean Duffy Fermanagh are in a good place going into Saturdays final, ‘We are exactly where we want to be, the touch is good and the injury front is slowly clearing up. The feeling in the camp is very positive but we know Donegal came through the tough side of the draw and will be warm favourites.’
Fermanagh’s opponents this Saturday will be coming into this final full of confidence, I have still to find a Donegal side of late without confidence. Fermanagh will of course need to keep things tight at the back with the likes of Jack Gavin and Odhran Russell having plenty of experience from Lisbellaw.
At midfield Thomas Cleary has excelled this year at Senior level with Fermanagh and his midfield partner, Aaron Magee is a player showing real maturity and one that will push on for sure.
In attack Ciaran Corrigan will be our main focal point but players such as Conor McShea, Conor Goodwin and Vincent Woods can all be called upon to step up to the plate and take scores as well.
Like any game it’s all on the day, Fermanagh can go into this clash knowing that if they give it all they have then they will be mightily close come the full time whistle.
The winner of this game then plays Kerry in the All Ireland ‘B’ Under-21 Quarter Final.
Fermanagh squad –
1 Colum McPhillips Lisbellaw
2 Ronan Markey Lisbellaw
3 Jack Gavin Lisbellaw
4 Sean Finbar Killen Lisnaskea
5 Michael Williamson Lisbellaw
6 Odhran Russell Lisbellaw
7 Dairmuid Russell Lisbellaw
8 Thomas Cleary Lisbellaw
9 Aaron Magee Lisbellaw
10 Vincent Woods Lisnaskea
11 Mathew McGrade Knocks Grattans
12 Kevin Curran Lisnaskea
13 Ciaran Corrigan Lisbellaw
14 Conor McShea Lisbellaw
15 Conor Goodwin Lisbellaw
16 David Teague Lisbellaw
17 Tarlach Russell Lisbellaw
18 Sean Porteous Lisbellaw
19 Barrie Duffy Lisbellaw
20 Oliver Harte Coa O’Dwyers
21 Dara Dillon Enniskillen Gaels
22 Thomas Og McGurn Lisbellaw
23 Stephen Breen Lisbellaw
24 Conor Gilleece Derrygonnelly Harps
