Courtesy of The Western People
Erris men have it all to do
HARD luck stories echo in the wind around Kilmaine and Belmullet. The southern stars came within a sniff of the intermediate crown two years ago and slipped to a narrow loss against eventual winners,Westport, in last season’s semi-final – both games could certainly have ended differently. Belmullet have been dreaming of a return to senior ranks since long before the tiger first played for Celtic and they start out every season with the same aim – intermediate success and a return to the top table. Already this season the Erris men have captured the prized Comortas crown on their own sod in Tallagh, but they’ll not rest easy until the Sweeney Cup visits the peninsula once again. Whether that happens this year remains to be seen. Kilmaine have c o n s i s t e n t l y saved their best performances for championship fare over the past few seasons and with Paul Doherty once again pulling the strings they’ll be hard beaten. The ace-attacker will take some watching and with Brian Maloney, Barry Cull, Vincent McGrath and their colleagues they’ll stretch any defensive unit. Gerard Doherty has been performing well in the Green and Red defensive unit while Derek O’Dea, Bryan Mullin and Padraig O’Dea will not be found wanting. Belmullet drew with Kiltimagh in the opening round before blitzing Mayo Gaels and Bonniconlon in subsequent games. They’ve mixed the average with the impressive and have yet to find the consistency needed for championship glory. David Padden is an excellent goalkeeper, his brother Billy Joe will pose problems for any opposition while Shane Barrett, Pat Barrett, Henry Gaughan, Shane Nallen and Pat Ginnelly are among the others who caught the eye so far this season. When they’re good they’re very good but when they’re not they’re poor and it’ll take silverware to get rid of those criticisms. The men from the barony undoubtedly have the ammunition required to give the competition a right lash but the age-old problem of consistency leaves one doubting their championship credentials. Of course one of these years they’re going to make everyone eat their words – will that year be 2010? Kilmaine are in the same boat. They must find the combination to unlock championship riches and deliver cherished silverware to their passionate followers. They know Saturday’s encounter will be a tough one – a good performance will have to be produced, but they’re capable of doing so and just might prevail.
VERDICT: KILMAINE
