Ballinagh hoping to become Cavan?s first Ulster winners

BALLINAGH are just one game away from achieving a remarkable win in the Ulster club football championship when they meet Antrim side Dunloy in the provincial intermediate championship final at Healy Park, Omagh on Sunday next at 2pm.

  This has been a remarkable run for Ballinagh since they claimed the domestic title a couple of months ago. They have seen off Tyholland from Monaghan and Fanad from Donegal, the latter at Casement Park on Sunday last and now hope to complete a hat trick of wins against the Antrim title holders.

  It's a rare occasion for a Cavan side to reach the provincial final in any competition, Cavan Gaels failing in the senior and Killeshandra going out in the semi-final stage in the junior. In fact, if Ballinagh are successful they will become the first Cavan club to win a provincial title in any grade since these competitions came into existence.

  Ballinagh  have both the necessary skills and experience to make it hot for Dunloy. Many of the players have experience at county level, among them Anthony Gaynor, Paul Galligan and Daragh McCarthy just to mention three. Team manager Bernard Morris has been through these kind of occasions with Gowna over the years and knows that it is imperative that the players settle down quickly and endeavour to build a platform in which to nullify any real threat from their opponents.

  Dunloy overcame a slow start to defeat Derry side Newbridge in the other semi-final by 2-8 to 0-8 also at the Belfast venue. It took the Antrim champions 21 minutes to get their opening score but once they settled into their pattern of play there was only going to be one result. McGarry and Kevin McAllister were the goal scorers and finished the stronger side.

  Ballinagh will be anxious not to give away early scores too easily and it will be up to the defence to mark tightly. In this area the experience of goalkeeper Daragh McCarthy will be invaluable as he marshals his colleagues in front of him, especially down the middle where Conor Brady and team captain Paraic O'Reilly will need to be on cue.

  Adrian Maguire and Cian McDermott have a big task ahead of them at midfield but they are equal to the task and will be hoping to provide forwards of the calibre of Paul Galligan, Colin Gumley, Declan Beard and Kevin Smith the opportunity to carve out some vital match-winning scores.

Bus to Omagh

  Ballinagh GFC supporters club are running a bus to Omagh on Sunday next. Anybody interested in travelling can contact one of the following; Thomas Daly 086 6097063; Oliver Gumley 0862467877; Michael Gaynor 0494337844. Cost §10 each.

 Names and money must be in by Friday evening.