Intensity pleases Harte but Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins boss warns Fenagh will be very different
Connacht Gold SFC Quarter Final reaction: Manager says Fenagh St Caillins will provide very tough challenge in semi-finals
They may have won by an eye-opening 31 points but Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins manager Mark Harte was definitely not getting carried away after their impressive Connacht Gold SFC Quarter-Final victory, quickly warning his troops that Fenagh St Caillins will provide a very different challenge in the semi-final.
Speaking after the 8-16 to 1-6 victory, Mark didn’t try to play down the scale of the victory but warned that Fenagh are a massive challenge in the semi finals: “Aughawillan will be very disappointed with how they played. I genuinely expected a real battle, they really put Mohill just a week ago to the pin of their collar.
“And, of course, the derby element as well but it just didn't transpire, as it turns out, Aughawillan didn't bring to the table what they would have liked to have brought. To be fair to our lads, they were clinical when we had chances.
“We took the chances and opened up a gap fairly early on, which made it that wee bit easier for us in terms of being able to stretch that gap out. At halftime, the message to the boys that it was important, as well as making sure we went on to get the victory, that we were able to take something out of the game in terms of how we play.
“We kept the work rate high, kept trying to create chances and gaps in their defence. Credit to the boys, they did that and we were also able to bring in subs today as well, lads who've been crying out for game time and deserving game time, and they got game time, they also made a contribution.”
Mark was particularly pleased that his team didn’t let up despite a commanding halftime lead: “That intensity was very pleasing because when you do get so far ahead, there is that temptation to step off the gas a wee bit. But to be fair to the boys, they didn't. They continued to be unselfish up front, didn't go seeking their own scores and continued to play for the team. Those things are all very positive.”
But Fenagh will be a very different proposition: “Fenagh are a super team, they have proven that all season. Very unlucky not to have won the league final and have been very, very impressive in the championship. So, what will happen in two weeks' time will be like night and day compared to what happened here today.
“We know we have a massive challenge ahead. Fenagh will be full of confidence, they have fabulous forwards, they have physicality and there's the fact that we're neighbours, there'll be that wee edge to it as well. So, look, it's all set up for a fabulous game and I know both teams will be looking forward to it.”
Ballinamore seem to be timing their peak at just the right time but Mark puts it down to the availability of quality players: “The game is all about players and throughout the league we didn't have some of our best players. Tom was in America, Paul was injured, Cathal was injured and we had various other injuries at times and unavailability throughout the league.
“When you get your very best players fit and available and playing, that makes the difference. We're delighted to have those lads all back from injury and firing. Hope we can keep everybody fit now in the next two weeks and looking forward to the challenge that Fenagh will bring.”