Former captain Sherry says Ulster final day remains unique

Interview

Jack Madden

Monaghan’s 1985 Ulster winning captain Gene Sherry has urged his fellow county men to spin their nerves into a positive mindset ahead of Sunday’s Ulster final.

Though this current Armagh crop have yet to claim an Anglo Celt Cup, this marks their fourth decider on the trot, leaving them seemingly better placed to deal with the occasion.

Ironically, the last time Armagh weren’t there, Monaghan were, with Croke Park holding just 10,000 for the Covid-impacted 2021 defeat to Tyrone.

Monaghan could start with just Rory Beggan from their most recent success in 2015, which marks the last time the Oriel County took on a full house at St Tiernach’s Park.

Ryan Wylie started on that occasion, and Ryan McAnespie made a substitute appearance, though neither like a certainty to start despite their experience given battles with injury.

That decision will ultimately be Gabriel Bannigan’s, and though Sherry was still a minor in 1978, he sees similarities with the early Sean McCague era, just prior to his own call up: “There’s a common denominator with 1979 in that Sean McCague brought all the clubs in the county together. Most clubs back then only cared about the county title, but McCague had the charisma to wipe that slate clean.

“Back in the day we were very friendly. We’d cut each other to bits in training sessions, but you made great friends for life. Unfortunately today it seems to be funerals where you meet most often. But that’s the bond you have.

“Gabriel has picked all around the county, and the strength is there in Monaghan. Carrickmacross and Emyvale might both feel they could have had Ulster titles last year as well as Scotstown.

“The final for young players is a very, very nervy day. The day itself isn’t even as bad as the week leading up to it. By 1988 I was far more ready than 1985, even though there was more expected of us with that team in ‘85 and we were bigger favourites.

“You walk out, look at the crowd, and you forget you have a football match to play.

“Ulster for me is unique in that sense. People say it’s watered down. Rubbish. Every team wants to win the Anglo Celt. It’s a very special competition, which makes for a nerve wracking day, but you can turn those nerves into motivation.”

Having witnessed one of the great Ulster semi-finals less than a fortnight ago, Sherry’s eyes lit up at the prospect of talking up his fellow club man Rory Beggan, whose last ditch free broke Derry hearts in extra-time in Armagh.

The former full-back feels no one comes close to the number one, with Jack McCarron’s sideline having paved the path for the great escape:

“Rory to me is the greatest I’ve ever seen. In the best possible way, he’s a freak, he’s that good. I’d pay the entrance fee every single day to watch Rory.

“His score against Derry, I was the coolest man in Armagh. That’s what he was born to do. Even his goalkeeping ability, he has massively stepped up in recent years.

“The precision pass to Mícheál Bannigan for the goal was just superb. And Mícheál has serious ability, himself and Dessie Ward are two players I rate very highly in any discussion. I think there are about half a dozen footballers in this country that would have landed that sideline kick. Jack is one of those. He has an exceptional knack to do things like that. It’s a pity he wasn’t five years younger.

“He’s another with football on both sides, we all know what Ray (his father) was capable of, and he’s a cousin of Max Maguire (Monaghan U20 star and current senior panellist).

“He didn’t lick it off the grass, but he’s a great example to younger players. He never stops making runs, making it awkward for defenders even when the thing may not be going his way. He epitomises the Monaghan attitude.”

What of nerves for the man himself? Sherry confesses he is not the smoothest spectator, understandable perhaps ahead of the first Ulster final between these two since 1938:

“I have a ticket sorted, but I can’t go to the stand. I’ll be on the far side. I’m always shuffling and kicking around, on edge. In any Monaghan game, I’m hopeful they do well, I’m a massive Monaghan fan.

“It’s going to be a great occasion, the guys will know that as soon as they set foot on the field. The opportunity is just terrific.”