Former Minor rivals clash on biggest stage

HAVING graduated from the same minor era as many of the Naomh Mairtin players he will face on Sunday, Emmet Carolan (pictured below) is looking forward to renewing old rivalries.

The sides clashed in a replayed decider a couple of years ago in which the Jocks prevailed, but prior to that the Blues won two-in-a-row.

‘I think we have five or six from that minor final and they have a good few as well. The first one was great, but the second one didn’t go too well, so hopefully this one goes a bit better.’

With those back-to-back minor titles may of the Blues young guns know what it’s like to win two on the bounce, but Emmet insists it’s not weighing them down.

‘The mood is good, we’re all looking forward to the game and it should be a good one with two strong footballing sides.

‘It would be class to win it again, it’s what we’ve been looking forward to all year. Everyone seems to be flying and looking forward to it.

‘But it won’t be easy. The Mairtins are a good all-round team, with a few really good players like Eoghan Callaghan, Sam Mulroy and Conor Morgan, all the minors that we know all about.’

As well as the experience of winning senior championship and league titles, Emmet made the huge step up to inter-county football this season and while the demands are huge, he took it all ins his stride.

‘I enjoyed it. Pete gave me my chance and I enjoyed it, not so much the results, but I enjoyed the experience. It was grand, something different. It was the first time I ever played with Louth.’