Holders fancied to ward off Rovers' renaissance
August 29, 2008
Herts GAA - Senior Football Championship Semi-finals
Cambridge Parnells v Glen Rovers (3.30pm)
If your idea of Sunday afternoon enjoyment is live encounters action rather than action beamed to you in the comfort of your armchair, then Cotlandswick is the place for you to be on Sunday.
As a connoisseur, you are offered the two semi-finals of the championship. Leagrave side, St Dympnas and Éire Óg will battle in the opening game from 2pm to decide which of them contests the final on Sunday 14 September.
The second semi-final in the double-header has the holders, Parnells fancied to reach another final. They have strength in depth, whereas Glen Rovers are still on a learning curve and much to climb yet.
Nevertheless, the Watford club, last winners of the championship in 1999, are determined to regain the glory days. Their improving side has some players on the verge of retirement who are determined to keep playing to help the young emerging talent that seems to be in abundance in the club.
Marty McManamon, John Crowley, Kelvin Lyons and Paul Connolly are using their knowledge and experience to steer their side as the youngsters learn to take on responsibilities. In between stage has Ken Hays and Gary Lane who will pose a real threat to Parnells' ambitions. Hays, a class act, will run all day in pursuit of enjoyment. Lane, if played on the edge of the square, will be a real threat to the Parnells' defence and John Regan at no 6 will need to be on hand to pick up any ball that comes loose because Chris Lenegahn at full back will have no option other than to punch any dropping balls away when having to contend with Lane's physical presence and height.
At the other end, Parnells have real scoring potential in Darren Ó Loane and Pádraigh Finn. Ó Loane will penalise any loose defensive play and Finn who is stylish personified has the ability to open up any defence and wreak havoc.
Midfield may not have as an important role to play as in the opening game. Both sides play a running game and like to play the ball in low. Parnells' midfielders Conor Ó Carroll and Martin Coleman will have Joe Gallagher and Darren Greenan as opposites and watch all eager to join in their passing movements.
The Oxhey Park side will look to Gary Connolly to create scores and Parnells cannot afford to let space open up in front of goal because the youngsters will relish rocking the back of the net. Crowley, too, can open that 20 metres space in front of goal in a flash and send the green flag vertical. Other forwards, like Stephen Burke and Neilius McCarthy will have to play out of their skins but they are well capable of doing so. The Parnells' backs are teak tough and Fintan McMorrow and Kieran Fahy will not concede any ground willingly.
St Dympnas and Éire Óg open the proceedings at 2.0pm when they contest the first semi-final.
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