Charlestown look ready

Charlestown look ready

Preview
Mike FInnerty

WE weren’t expecting this now were we? Four months after the adventure began for seventeen teams with hopes, dreams and aspirations, only two remain.
They have survived tests of their character, answered questions about their attitude, and had every fibre of their being stretched by the challenges along the way. And neither Ballina or Charlestown have flinched.
But in all honesty, it is the absent friends who have been almost as talked about as the finalists in recent weeks. Last year’s final pairing of Ballaghaderreen and Crossmolina are conspicuous by their absence from next Sunday’s showpiece and both must make do with watching from the wings.
That Charlestown are back on centre-stage is no real surprise. Since their last county senior title in 2001 they have contested three semi-finals (2002, 2004 and 2005) and two quarter-finals (2003 and 2006). They had never gone away you know.
The presence of Ballina in the final will cause few palpitations either. Their last Moclair Cup success in 2004 confirmed the club’s status at the top of the roll of honour with 35 titles. The All-Ireland win two years ago also franked their reputation, and thirteen of that team lined out again against Ballagh’ in the semi-final.
Ballina’s strengths are well-known by now. Their tradition, their quality and the presence of so many players with inter-county experience remain the most obvious ones. The names come rolling off the tongue: David Clarke, Brian Ruane, Enda Devenney, Ronan McGarrity, the Bradys and Pat Harte... The list goes on and on, and has been shrewedly managed by Liam Higgins, Paddy Ruane and Martin McGrath.
And what of Charlestown? Ciaran McBrien, Sean Higgins and Colm Horkan have taken the reins this year and the players have responded to three men who have given a lifetime of service to the Sarsfields.
Charlestown are unbeaten in the championship and, in fact, have lost just one of the fourteen competitive matches they have played this season. Their draws and replays with both Crossmolina and Knockmore may have drawn on their energy reserves, but those extra games will have taught them much about themselves too.
They are in superb physical condition and their victory over Ballina in the first round back in May means there will be no question of Charlestown being in awe of their star-studded opponents.
The suspicion is that without goals from David Brady, Ballina may struggle to hit the net. Scores, in general, could be a problem. Charlestown’s attack looks more potent and Aidan Higgins, Ginger Tiernan and company will ensure a supply of ammunition to the inside line.
This will be a hell-for-leather final but we believe Charlestown have what it takes to finish what they started.

VERDICT: CHARLESTOWN