Venue Swatragh
Date Saturday 24th August
Throw In 2pm
The Gaelic Masters association enters its championship play off phase this weekend, with counties across the country playing off for places in their various grades.
Last year Derry won the plate competition, for counties rated between fifth and eighth on league form, and are seeking to double up on that achievement this year. For that to happen they need to navigate a way past a resurgent Antrim Masters combination who have aspirations of their own to reach their first final in this grade.
Swatragh is the venue, and a large crowd is expected for the 2pm throw in, where Derry will be hoping to reverse their recent defeat at the hands of the Saffrons in their hotly contested league encounter at Slemish park in July.
The Antrim men will need to be at their very best to get a result, as it is expected Derry were without some of their proven performers on that occasion, and with home advantage and that little bit of additional experience, the oak leaf county will be confident about their chances of progressing to another final.
Antrim don’t plan to make up the numbers though, and will take confidence from the fact that they pushed Kerry to the absolute limit in Tyrellstown two weeks ago losing out narrowly on their bid for top four status, and look forward to welcoming back a couple of players who were unavailable on that occasion.
Assistant Manager Timmy Connolly was upbeat about the Saffrons chances. “We know we can mix it in this grade, but have a late sweat on the availability of a couple of key players who picked up knocks recently. Its all about panel depth at this level and if a couple don’t make it we have the players who can step up and give it everything they have”, said Timmy. “It would be fantastic to meet the winners of Cork and Mayo in the final, but we will have a real battle on our hands before that happens…we are not going there short of confidence, it will all be down to who performs best on the day!”
Timmy and manager Frank Delargy have got a great response from Antrim Masters this season, raising the profile of this increasingly prestigious competition, and Saffron Gael send their best wishes to the entire panel and management in advance of Saturdays contest which may well be their toughest test to date.
