Loughinisland go in search of coveted Ulster crown

Loughinisland go in search of coveted Ulster crown

25 November 2015

LOUGHINISLAND’S relentless march towards the Ulster Intermediate title faces its ultimate challenge in the form of Donegal side Bundoran in Sunday’s final at Owenbeg, Co Derry (2.30pm).

The Blues have been in sensational form to date, dismissing anything that has stepped into their path.

Greenlough were destroyed in the preliminary round while Edendork played second fiddle in the quarters. The semi-final win over Doohamlet further enforced their reputation for ruthlessness.

Standing in their way on Sunday is a Bundoran team high on confidence after two gruelling knockout games to date.

Armagh’s Clann Eireann were despatched in the last eight while Antrim’s Glenavy crashed out in a physically gruelling semi-final.

Realt na Mara are the home club of Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland-winning manager Brian McEniff and the Tír Chonnail legend is very close to team affairs.

They are a robust side with an impressive full back line, physically strong midfield partnership and in Christy Keaney, a full forward of immense talent.

Whether they are up to the level of Loughinisland remains to be seen and if they get off to a bad start on Sunday they are unlikely to get the result that they will be craving.

Loughinisland managers Jerome Johnston and Paul Duffin have successfully plotted their team’s course to date and they will have some hard decisions to make regarding team selection.

Kieran Gordon has been solid and assured between the sticks with Paddy Megoran expected to line out at full back with Raymond Nixon and Paul Digney likely to be awarded the man marking duties on Bundoran’s vaunted two-man full forward line.

Dan Gordon will conduct affairs from centre half back while the experienced Conor O’Toole has cemented his place on the wing with the busy Dean McLaughlin on the other flank.

Damhan O’Toole along with Aaron McClements, Jonny Flynn and Dominic McClements are a formidable quartet in the middle third with the attacking responsibilities being left to Rory Mason, John McCarthy and Conor Megoran with Stefan Mason, Seamus O’Hare and Paddy McKenny all vying for the last remaining starting berth.

Loughinisland are unlikely to change their modus operandi. It has served them well to date and will likely get them over the line here.

An early goal would really ruffle feathers and if the defence can keep things tight then the Blues will surely be crowned champions.