Slaughtneil’s manager expects a thrilling final against Portaferry after a tough semi-final.
Slaughtneil’s manager, Paul McCormack, is looking forward to the final. He believes it will be an exciting match, especially after his team’s recent win in the semi-finals against Cushendall. That game went into extra time, showing how competitive the teams are.
McCormack took over as manager after Michael McShane left last December. McShane had a successful run, leading Slaughtneil to their first Ulster title in 2016 and several more championships. However, McCormack has already achieved a significant victory by beating Cushendall, a team that had previously defeated them four times.
Despite this success, McCormack knows there is still a lot of work ahead. Portaferry is a strong team, having almost beaten Cushendall in last year’s semi-final before losing in extra time. McCormack is aware of their capabilities and is preparing his team for a tough challenge.
“I believe this final will be another epic match,” McCormack said. He recalled last year’s game between Cushendall and Portaferry, where Portaferry had the lead but couldn’t finish strong. He knows Portaferry will come ready to play, and his team must be equally prepared.
Midfielder Jack Cassidy praised McCormack for his leadership since taking over. He acknowledged the great work done by McShane and others but feels that McCormack has given the team a fresh start. Cassidy is excited about their progress and hopes to continue their successful journey.
Cassidy also mentioned that the team is motivated this season after losing two Ulster Finals in the past two years. They have worked hard in both hurling and football, believing they have the talent to succeed.
The youthful energy of Slaughtneil was evident in their last match, especially from 18-year-old Finn McEldowney. Cassidy affectionately calls him “the wasp” for his tenacity on the field. McEldowney’s determination inspires the team, showing that age doesn’t define skill or heart.
Brendan Rogers, another dual player, believes last year’s loss to Cushendall has fueled the younger players this season. Many of them gained valuable experience from that match, which has helped them grow. Rogers knows they have the talent and just need to nurture it to reach their potential.
As a senior player, Rogers can be tough on the younger members of the team. He wants to push them to do their best, even if they sometimes find it challenging. He is proud to see them shine and hopes they continue to develop their skills.
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