Preview: Glyde Rangers head into another Junior Championship clash full of confidence today
AIB Leinster Club Junior Football Championship
In the first of two matches which sees the county champions of Louth pit themselves against the best that Dublin has to offer, Junior champions Glyde Rangers and Man O’War do battle on Saturday afternoon in the Leinster semi-final in the Naul.
Having come through two tight and closely fought contests against Daingean and Annanough of Offaly and Laois respectively in previous rounds, Peter Duffy’s Glyde Rangers head into another Junior Championship clash full of confidence.
Having fended off Daingean in the last 10 minutes, and beating Aannanough after extra time, the Tallanstown side are no strangers to the heat of championship battle.
Key to both victories has been the form of forward Ciaran Sheridan, whose goals in both games proved vital to his side’s progress.
Having scored 2-16 to help them win the Christy Bellew Cup after years of heartache, Sheridan has helped himself to 2-6 over the last two Leinster outings, and will once again be a crucial focal point at the edge of the square for Rangers.
Alongside Sheridan, Brian Duffy, Conor Sheridan and Alan Kirk have also provided invaluable experience in key moments for Glyde Rangers this season, as part of a squad which also boasts youthful talent such as Lee Finnegan, Tadgh Kellet and Jack McKeever, while Oisin Lynch has also enjoyed some telling cameos off the bench.
The evergreen Trevor O’Brien has also proven a useful asset when introduced into the fray, and his return from injury adds depth to a squad boasting a blend of youth and experience.
As for their opponents, Man O’War saw off O’Dwyers in their county decider to win their first title in 44 years, before seeing off Wicklow champions Ballinacor in their Leinster clash earlier this month.
Key to these victories has been the performances of Dublin under 20 captain Conor Dolan, a player whom Glyde’s Jack McKeever played against earlier this year, as Dublin dismantled Louth on their way to a Leinster final appearance against eventual All Ireland winners Kildare earlier this year.
Dolan is one of several young players who have sparkled for the Dublin side this year, including Sam Clancy, Sean Hussey, Fionn Hussey and Ben Moore, alongside experienced heads Kieran Fleming, John Fleming and Willie Moore.
On paper, there does not appear to be a huge chasm between the sides, and should this game be up for grabs heading into the latter stages, Glyde Rangers will believe that they can follow in the footsteps of Dundalk Young Irelands in 2018.