Martin Carr
DECLAN O’Dea seems to have revitalised Ardnaree after a disappointing 2014 JFC campaign, getting them to a fourth junior football final in five years.
The Moysiders made easy work of a young and vibrant Ardagh side in Ballina at the semi-final stage, and Ardagh are just one of many big names (such as Lahardane, Charlestown B and Ballina B) that Ardnaree have disposed of. Next on the hit list for the Division 1B side is Kilala next Sunday.
Eoin McCormack will need to bring his ‘A’ game if Ardnaree are to finally make the long-awaited jump to intermediate football. The captain was man of the match last time out against Ardagh. Always out in front and looking for the ball, the full-forward will prove a handful for whichever Killala man is given the job of marking him.
Pat Lacken and Co will also have to be at their best to handle Andrew Farrell. The Ardnaree faithful will be hoping that midfield maestro Michael Tighe will dominate the aerial ball on the kick-outs.
Ardnaree are also playing at a very high level of league football up in Division 1B, which will certainly aid them and keep them a well-oiled machine. They have nearly assured themselves of survival in the division, taking points from senior sides along the way.
O’Dea’s side are training at a level that most intermediate and senior clubs would be happy with. They also have great strength in numbers and are very effective off the bench. They hammered the final nails in Ardagh's coffin by bringing on marquee players such as Ronan Doherty and Darragh McCormack, the latter of which scored the third and final goal in injury time.
Ardnaree are no strangers to being overwhelming favourites in a Mayo Junior Football Championship final, but is this the year that they can finally cross the fence into intermediate football?
Martin Carr is a Transition Year student at Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina who is currently on work experience with The Mayo News.
