McElroy anticipating tough encounter
June 18, 2008
Fermanagh attacker Ciaran McElroy, who plays his club football in Derry with Ballinascreen, knows as much as anybody the challenge that lies ahead when the Erne men take on the reigning NFL Championship this weekend in the Ulster SFC semi-finals.
McElroy transferred from his native club Tempo to Ballinascreen to suit travelling purposes for his work life as a teacher in Randalstown County Antrim, and has came up against the likes of Derry captain Kevin McCloy and former All Start Sean Marty Lockhart while playing for the Oak Leaf club side.
Therefore, he should know more than most in Malachy O'Rourke's set-up the threat that Derry will possess to Fermanagh's hopes of an Ulster SFC final spot this summer, after an unlikely win over Monaghan has catapulted their provincial championship hopes.
"At the start of the Championship, our first aim was to focus on the Monaghan game. We had to work extremely hard for our win and we probably got the rub of the green with our two goals.
"But, that victory has given us an extra belief. We know how hard it's going to be against Derry," said McElroy.
"We have to up the ante. It is after all an Ulster Championship semi-final, and, given the calibre of the opposition, we still have to improve. You could say there's a lot at stake for both teams."
Fermanagh will take on Derry this Saturday evening, June 21, in the Ulster SFC semi-final with a throw-in time of 6.00pm scheduled at Healy Park, Omagh.
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