Tyrone and Donegal have met many times on the hurling field and rivalries will be renewed at Owenbeg this weekend as Éire Óg face Setanta in the Ulster Intermediate Club final, it’s a rivalry that Sean Pol Begley knows all about. The An Charraig Mhór Manager is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead for his squad.
“There’s no doubt Setanta are formidable opponents to face in the final” he explained this week as his side prepared to line out in the Ulster decider. “They have beaten two top teams to get to the final which speaks of their quality. They are a fantastic team with top class players all over the pitch and have won Ulster titles in recent years so are more experienced in dealing with these occasions than us.” That could be classed as a worry or something for Éire Óg to think about but just look at their own household names.
Sean Og Grogan, Dermot Begley, the Kelly’s and of course the Manager himself are all well versed when it comes to the big occasion and some mammoth games, this final holds no surprises and indeed the entire club, community and county have all come on board behind the team.
“It’s great to reach an Ulster Final. We know well they are not easy to get to but both teams will be going all out to win it. The anticipation is starting to build now and we are looking forward to the game but we know that we face a massive challenge on Saturday.” An honest appraisal from the former Tyrone and club Captain who is sure his players will step up to that challenge, Sean Pol has faith in his side.
“We’ll be just trying to perform as best we can on Saturday and see where that takes us. A few lads have been carrying injuries throughout the year but it’s just that time of year when lads will pick up injuries but we have a good panel, all of whom we trust.”
There’s a buzz in the air ahead of Saturdays encounter and as Christmas approaches what a way it could wrap up this campaign.
“It’s great to see the excitement that reaching an Ulster final brings. We are just hoping come Saturday we can do ourselves and the club justice for the efforts put in throughout the year.” On and off the park the Éire Óg club have set the bench mark for hurling in the County.
They now own their own park have added facilities and will continue to develop, reaching the Ulster Club Final is a massive step again in the right direction and as Sean points out a meeting with a Donegal outfit is always a good one.
“I think it’s great to see a Tyrone Donegal final at this level. I think that speaks to the unseen work going on in both clubs by many people and hopefully the exposure a final brings will help with the development of hurling in both counties.”
Article by Paddy Hunter
By Rory Cox Thu 30th Nov
