Ballymote looking forward to Connacht final decider with Lahardane on Sunday
THIS Sunday will be a historic one for Ballymote GAA as their men line out in their first ever Connacht final. Gerry Monaghan’s charges take on Lahardane of Mayo in the Connacht Junior decider in MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Sunday at 2pm.
It’s a big occasion for the club and the players and management are gearing up for what should be a momentous day for Ballymote.
Gerry said the team is well prepared heading into the final on Sunday, saying the side has a good mixture of youth and experience.
He added: “Things are shaping up well. I think we are in with a great chance, this is a great team and should do it.
“We have a panel of 25 players and this is the first time a team from Ballymote is in the Connacht final so it’s a great occasion for the club.
“I’ve been here since December and it’s a great achievement for them. I know it’s Junior but that’s the level we’re at.
“Ballymote have been going well recently and we are expecting a good crowd of supporters. The big thing is when Sligo teams take on Mayo teams there’s this sort of concrete block, but we believe we can beat them and get over the line. We are well tuned for Sunday.”
He said Lahardane, managed by John Maughan, have some good players too. “I was watching the video of their county final to get the homework done on them. We’ve a good blend of youth and experience, the likes of Michael Doddy, Daniel Clarke, Robbie Fahy, Stephen Ross, Peter Lyons along with Niall Brennan and Jack Hever to name a few, so we’re looking forward to it,” he added.