Experts Tip Dromore To Retain Title

Saturday 06.10.2012

Club

Looking ahead to Sunday’s Power NI Senior championship final Teamtalkmag.com spoke to representatives from all the other fourteen senior clubs in an attempt to survey their views on who the favourites might be and where the game could be won or lost. Judging by our panel of experts Dromore are taken to make history and retain the coveted O’Neill Cup for the first time in their history, 9-5 the vote in favour of the St.Dympnas.

Liam Donnelly Trillick: Dromore : “They have a bit more of a threat in the forward line and although Errigal have shown themselves to be very good defensively I think Dromore will edge it but only just.”

Johnny McElholm Killyclogher: Dromore. “They have a great defensive system where every player knows his role. Up front they have proven scorers and have the necessary know how when it comes to winning championships.”

Liam Grugan Omagh: Dromore: “I have a feeling it is going to be very close, indeed it might even go to a replay but Dromore have impressed me all year. Errigal are improving and have won matches without ever playing really well. Peter Harte will have a major say in how the game goes but Dromore’s greater experience could prove decisive.”

Martin Keenan Kildress: Errigal. “I am going for Errigal. It will be a very tight game but the two games they had with Omagh and Carmen are perfect preparation and the rest since the semi final will stand to them. They seem to be playing with great belief and have the defenders to deal with Dromore’s key forwards. The midfield battle will be interesting but I think Errigal will edge it and get enough quality ball into the forwards which will make the difference.”

Sean Teague Greencastle: Dromore. “ I think they have more in the forward line and although Errigal have improved as the season has gone on I think Dromore’s forwards look well capable of causing them bother. A lot will depend on how Enda McGinley does in the middle of the field but I still feel Dromore will do enough to win.”

Gavin Mc Elroy Carrickmore: Errigal. “From what I have seen of Dromore they don’t seem to be playing as well as they were this time last year. Errigal should be the hungrier side because they have not won it since 2006 and hunger is a huge factor in championship finals. Peter Harte and the McGinleys are the key men and how they perform will have a big effect on Errigal’s chances.”

Benny Hurl Ardboe: Dromore: I feel experience could be key and Dromore have built up a huge reservoir of know how and experience over the past six years. They have been inconsistent at times but they have shown the hunger and determination of a side intent on retaining their crown.”

Damian O’Hagan Coalisland: Errigal. “I think that Errigal Ciaran will be the more hungrier of the two sides and that could be the difference. Dromore are a good side but its hard to retain the title and I think that Errigal came through the tougher half of the draw and that will stand to them.”

Joe McCabe Clonoe: Errigal. “Dromore have a lot of experience on County final day but I feel that they haven’t been playing well this year and I believe that they have to play well to win while Errigal Ciaran have shown this year that they can win without playing well.”

Paul Devlin Moortown: Dromore. “I was impressed with Errigal in their win against us in the first round as they kicked fifteen points and could have scored more. If they were to get their noses in front in the final it will be interesting but I think if its a tight game Dromore will edge it.”

Paddy Gervin Derrylaughan: Dromore. “Ronan McGuckin was with us last season and we know how good a manager he is and he has Errigal will set up and hard to beat but I think that the experience that Dromore have gained over the years in finals will stand to them.”

Adrian Cush Donaghmore: Dromore. “Dromore have found it difficult this year as they haven’t been competitive in the league and you can’t just turn it on like a tap when it comes to the championship. There is more steel than usual in this Errigal side but I think that Dromore’s experience will prove to be the difference.”

Brian McGuckin Edendork: Dromore. “It’s a difficult one to call but I will have to go against my cousin Ronan this time! Errigal will be difficult to beat and it would be no surprise if they were lifting the O’Neill Cup around five O’clock but I still think Dromore will edge it.”

Mickey Donnelly Eglish: Errigal. “I have a sneaky feeling for Errigal. Dromore were almost caught by Killyclogher and that will have been a wake up call for them but Errigal have come through the tougher half of the draw and if they can keep McCusker and McCullagh quiet then they will be well on their way to victory.”