Our feet are on ground: McNaughton
ST ENDA’S manager Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton believes that his side’s “grounded approach” will stand them in good stead when they meet Bredagh in the Ulster Club Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final at Lamh Dhearg today (2.30pm).
“When you get to this stage of a competition you are always a bit concerned that boys could get carried away or complacency setting in. But I think the players’ grounded approach will stand to them,” insisted McNaughton.
In overcoming Derry champions Banagher in the quarter-final last weekend thanks to a late point from Ruairi Donaghy, St Enda’s offered further evidence that they are capable of lifting the provincial title.
Last year, St Enda’s won the Ulster Club Intermediate Football Championship title and now the possibility of landing the intermediate hurling crown looms large.
But Bredagh manager Simon Wilson is confident that his side can rise to the occasion today and maybe go on to make a bold bid for the provincial title.
“We have earned our place in this semi-final and now I would like my team to go all the way but that is a tall order because St Enda’s are a good, well-drilled side,” stated Wilson.
In today’s other intermediate semi-final, Keady will take on Tyrone champions Eoghan Ruadh at Pairc Esler, Newry (2.30pm).
Keady manager Barry McCormack feels his side’s progress to date has bolstered belief for today’s task.
“We are at concert pitch and hopefully this will help to get us into the final,” he said.
In today’s Ulster Club Junior Hurling Championship semi-finals, Eoghan Rua (Derry) will face Inniskeen (Monaghan) at Lamh Dhearg (12.45pm) while Antrim champions Gort na Mona will confront Newry Shamrocks at Ballela (2.30pm).
Gort na Mona captain Padraig McHugh acknowledges that his side are facing into a difficult mission but nonetheless relishes the prospect of reaching the provincial decider.
“Now that we’re in the semi-finals we are keen to push on and reach the final. This would be a great challenge for our club,” insisted McHugh.
In the other tie, Eoghan Rua will bid to do Derry proud against an Inniskeeen side that has improved of late.
Eoghan Rua have several talented players in their side but face a big test to reach the final.