Masters ready to take on Cavan in All-Ireland clash

THIS Saturday is the much-anticipated All-Ireland semi-final clash between Sligo masters and Cavan. In the other semi-final, Donegal are meeting Mayo. Both games are this Saturday.

Boasting a rich collection of former Inter-county greats such as Eamonn O’Hara, Paul Taylor, David Durcan, Ronan Keane, Nigel Clancy, Fintan Kennedy, Paul Durcan, Con O’Meara, Padraic Doohan, Johnny Kenny and Dessie Sloyne, the Sligo side sprinted into the last four by winning five and drawing one of their six group games.

The Sligo Masters side is managed by Neil Carew, Gerry Monaghan and Reggie McNulty.

Looking ahead to the contest with the Breffni county, Eamonn O’Hara knows the quality Cavan possess having played with a number of the side on the Masters International Rules squad that defeated Australia last October.

The Tourlestrane man said: “They’d the biggest representation on the panel last year and have danger men like Christy Shiels and Mark Rehill who will have to be watched.

“Galway were favourites for the All-Ireland last year but Cavan totally outplayed them in their semi-final in Ballymote, before losing out to Mayo after a replay and extra-time in the final.

“We’ll have to be at our best to beat them, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

While the Yeats County side has more former inter-county stars than most there are many less wellknown players excelling in this year’s Championship.

Eamonn added: “The Masters is full of players who are excellent footballers and in great shape who, for one reason or another, never wore their county jersey, and it’s great for them to represent their county.”

Joe Queenan sponsors the Sligo jerseys and EJ Menswear is providing tracksuits and training gear this year.

A total of 14 counties took part in this year’s Gaelic Masters competition including Mayo, Galway, Donegal and a combination side from Leitrim/Longford.

Among those competing in 2017 were a side representing London.

Players do not have to have represented their counties previously though in each county many former GAA stars,

At least 450 players, aged 40 and over, have played Gaelic Masters football this year.

Last year the Gaelic Masters organised an International rules contest with older Australian Rules players visiting Ireland and there are plans to keep the relationship going with a return trip down under in the pipeline for 2019.