Cusp of the final

tried to allow the players to enjoy Christmas as much as they could.

“We mixed things up a bit but didn’t overdo it over Christmas because we wanted the players to enjoy it and not think too much about the semi-final. We’ve stepped it up since and we were happy with the challenge matches we’ve had especially the Kenmare one as it had the intensity I think both of us need for our matches on Sunday,” he said.

A 12.30pm throw-in does bring its challenges O’Shea agrees.

“We will have to go up the night before, but we work on making sure the lads are occupied and prepared for such an experience. We’ve actually tried to play the challenge matches we’ve had around that time because there is a difference in playing a game like this at that time as opposed to say 3pm.

“We’ve happy it’s in a good venue like Cusack Park, it has a stadium feel to it like we’ve experienced in places like Austin Stack Park, Fitzgerald Stadium and Mallow (venue of Munster Final),” O’Shea feels.

The Mid Kerry side’s manager rates Louisburgh as a good footballing side and feels the double header element to Sunday’s proceedings creates both advantages and disadvantages for both.

“The fact Louisburgh and Westport are neighbouring clubs means that there will be a massive following for both of them from that area of Mayo and with the support both ourselves and Kenmare will bring it will make for a big atmosphere on Sunday. All of us will try and draw inspiration for the other in terms of winning,” he said.

When asked what he would like to see them do on Sunday O’Shea says it’s all about reaching targets for Glenbeigh/Glencar.

“We will set a number of targets for the team and hope they can match them when it comes down to it. We got to the pitch of the game very early in the Munster Final and that’s something we hope to do again on Sunday.”

Glenbeigh / Glencar’s own inter-county experience of Darran O’Sullivan, Pa Kilkenny and Gavan O’Grady will be vital to their own chances along with All-Ireland Minor winner Caoilm Teahan who impressed for Intermediate School Killorglin in the Corn Ui Mhuiri last week.

If they can find their rhythm and settle into the task at hand early, Glenbeigh/Glencar might well become the 10th Kerry side to contest an All-Ireland Final at this level. Glenbeigh/Glencar