Striker Martin Smith: Feeling in double chasing Muirhevna Mor squad is 'unique'

Martin Smith reckons Muirhevna Mor’s season-defining week isn’t as complicated as it seems.

Their 11-goal top-scorer will lead the Blues’ line into tomorrow night’s trip to Trim Celtic, where victory will seal the club’s second Premier Division title, before returning to the MDL Grounds for Sunday’s Tully Cup final, against the same opposition.

“We have to win that game on Wednesday, plain and simple, and then we think about Sunday,” he says.

“This was what we wanted at the start of the season. We wanted to win ‘everything’ and to be in this position because we knew that we had the guts of a brilliant squad that could have a real go at winning things.

“The whole feeling amongst the squad is unique to anything else that I’ve been involved in. We’re on the verge of something special. This would be the pinnacle and easily the best achievement I’ve experienced - I’d say that would go for most of the lads.”

The former Drogheda Town frontman moved to the ‘Mor during the summer, after a difficult season as player/manager with Quay Celtic. 

Having narrowly avoided relegation with the Clancy Park charges, Smith has found a new lease of life across town. His goalscoring form has surpassed even his own expectations and he enters the first of the Trim double-header a goal clear of his namesake, Billy, as his team’s most prolific provider. 

As well as playing with a higher calibre of player, Smith admits his performances have flourished minus managerial responsibility.

“I didn’t play as much last year because when I was picking the team I felt I should be giving younger lads a chance and when that didn’t work out I was coming in and trying to do things myself.

“It affected me and it was in my thinking when it came to giving it a go with Muirhevna Mor, nowhere near a managerial role.

“I’m 33 now so I kind of knew that I only had a few years left and the way the move has transpired, just being a player, it’s benefitted me.”

Robbie Gavaghan, “a revelation”, according to Smith, and Cody Magill are among the others to have made the move from Quay this season. And what a shrewd transfer it’s proven. They enter this week looking to finish the domestic year unbeaten, with the only blotch on this season’s canvas being the 1-1 draw with Ardee Celtic in the third round of the league.

“When you’re haunted by a 1-1 draw over the course of a season, you’re doing alright!”

Alright, indeed.