Lurgan chasing three-in-a-row
Lurgan manager Neil Quigley insists the hunger remains as strong as ever as the reigning champions prepare to face Knockbride with a third successive senior championship title on the line.
Lurgan have again negotiated their way through a competitive championship, with Quigley pointing to their semi-final test and an earlier meeting with Knockbride as evidence of the increasing strength of the senior grade.
“It’s been a really competitive championship. There are plenty of teams who were there or thereabouts this year,” Quigley said. “We got two really big tests in the championship, so they’ve been really good challenges to have.”
For vice-captain Evelyn Baugh, Lurgan’s ability to remain among the leading sides in Cavan has been helped by the constant supply of young players progressing through the club.
“The squad in Lurgan is constantly evolving,” Baugh explained. “It’s thanks to all the underage development that we have within the club and the big focus on developing those girls coming through because they are the future of your club. There are plenty of girls coming through who are the future stars of Lurgan and hopefully they continue playing football and playing good football.”
Baugh has also noticed a rise in standards throughout Cavan, with Knockbride’s progress from the intermediate ranks to a senior final providing the latest example.
“The standard of football is just getting higher and higher in Cavan and it’s great to see teams coming through like Knockbride, who have come up from intermediate and are already providing huge competition at senior level. That’s what you want.”
There will be few surprises for either side on final day. Lurgan and Knockbride have already met three times this season, twice in the league and once in the championship, leaving Quigley well aware of the challenge awaiting his side.
“They’re a very well-rounded team all over the pitch,” he said. “You couldn’t really pick out one area in particular. They’re very strong throughout the field and they have challenges right through their team for us to try and counteract.”
Importantly for Lurgan, Quigley reports a clean bill of health heading into the decider after having two weeks to prepare. Now comes the opportunity to complete a senior championship three-in-a-row, but Quigley knows previous success will count for little once the ball is thrown in.
“The appetite is something we’ve talked about,” he said. “We know that Knockbride will be bringing a big appetite as well, so we’ll be out to match Knockbride’s hunger.”