Clann fancied to secure semi final place

By Eamon A. Donoghue

Clann na nGael are preparing to do battle with St Faithleach’s in their Roscommon SFC quarter-final in Kiltoom this evening (Saturday) at 6pm.

Clann are one of only two teams who are undefeated in the championship thus far, along with St Brigid’s. The Johnstown side were in a group of death with Padraig Pearses and Boyle and they topped the group, which has given them a very winnable quarter-final.

Former Mayo player Pat Fallon and Galway’s Seán Conlon are in their second year with Clann. It’s very evident the improvements they have made to the team’s play. Gone is the orthodox traditional game plan of letting the ball do the work. Now any Clann player could pop up and score.

There’s width and pace in their play and their decision making has improved. Decision making is crucial to success and that’s the department that they will need to improve on even more in order to contend for the title.

Corner-back Patrick Gavin scored 2-2 against St Dominic’s and Cathal Duignan scored 0-3 from wing-back. Dylan Sumner, at centre half-back, has continued his good form from last year and his continuous probing from defence keeps Clann on the front foot. David McManus is a key player and, on his day, he can be a match winner.

How sharp they can get Ultan Harney is the question as they need a fully fit Harney. They also need Ciarán Lennon at his best. Up to this point, we haven’t seen Harney or Lennon at their best and for this weekend they may not need to be. But from then on in this year's championship, these two players need to start firing for Clann.

Clann should have enough to see off St Faithleach’s. But they do need to be careful. Any team that carries forwards of the calibre of the Murtagh brothers, Ciarain and Diarmuid, can’t be written off. The Ballyleague men are also renowned battlers, who regularly punch above their weight.

The Longford border club also have a good midfield pairing in dual player Connell Kennelly (he plays his hurling with St Dominic’s) and Luke Glennon, who played on the Roscommon U20 side in the 2021 All-Ireland final.

Clann though should continue their good run and stay undefeated for another week at least, to set up a local derby semi-final against St Brigid’s or Pearses.

Verdict: Clann na nGael.