Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship preview: Shandonagh

Shandonagh manager Ray Sheridan believes his side's ability to produce their best when under severe pressure has been the hallmark of their season. As they prepare for their second successive Intermediate final, Sheridan paid tribute to his side's resilience.

The pressure was on early, with Shandonagh needing to beat Milltownpass to keeping their championship hopes alive. They responded emphatically - winning by 6-16 to 4-7 - before overcoming Ballinagore in the quarter-final and surviving a difficult semi-final against St Malachy’s.

“We had a tough championship, and it wasn’t looking great after St Malachy’s beat us. We had to beat Milltownpass or we weren’t going to come out of the group. The pressure was on maybe earlier than we would have liked, but it probably does us no harm. We performed well in that game, and then against Ballinagore, and we had a tough semi-final against St Malachy’s," he observed.

“It probably leaves us in a good position going into a final. We’re just delighted to be back there.”

Sunday’s Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship final against Milltown has all the ingredients for a compelling contest, with two evenly matched sides set to battle it out for the Peter Geraghty Cup.

“It is the final the neutrals wanted; it’s an exciting one,” he enthused, summing up the anticipation ahead of the decider between the two neighbouring. He believes both teams have made significant strides this year.

Having faced Milltown four times since taking charge of Shandonagh, Sheridan knows just how little separates the sides. Each encounter has been fiercely competitive, with the outcome difficult to predict right up to the closing stages.

“They’re an excellent side at this level. They’re very strong, and in all four games, with a minute to go, it’s very hard to predict a winner if you’re a neutral looking at it. They were that tight. I think you can only nearly prepare and expect for the same in the final. It’ll be just a battle between two very good sides," he observed.

Shandonagh’s own journey to Sunday’s showdown has been a demanding one, with Sheridan delighted to see his side back in the final after a championship campaign that threatened to unravel following their defeat to St Malachy’s in round four.

Shandonagh have certainly found their scoring touch at the business end of the campaign, registering six goals against Milltownpass and five more in the quarter-final against Ballinagore. The former Tyrrellspass manager believes his side have found another gear when required.

“We’re going into the final with confidence, but under no illusions about what’s in front of us. It’s going to be a tough one,” he acknowledged.

Milltown, meanwhile, have impressed Sheridan throughout the campaign and, in his view, have improved even further since reaching last year's final.

The addition of Henry Duncan has strengthened their options, while Jack Duncan has enjoyed another outstanding season, aided by his involvement with Westmeath.

“He was brilliant last year too, but he’s been fantastic. Playing with Westmeath did him no harm. He’s had a brilliant championship and has been outstanding,” Sheridan remarked.

Milltown have also brought in Shane O’Malley from Michael Glaveys in Roscommon, adding further strength to their defensive options.

“They’re a fair outfit. I think they’ve probably improved this year, nearly, if anything. Some of the results have been very impressive. We’re under no illusions; it’s going to be a very tough final,” admitted Sheridan.

Shandonagh are in reasonable shape on the injury front, with Sheridan expecting dual players involved with Lough Lene Gaels and St Oliver Plunkett’s to be available, despite the odd niggle.

However, they will be without Brian Kavanagh, whose suspension is a significant blow after an exceptional championship campaign. Kavanagh has scored 5-55, with Sheridan comparing his remarkable scoring exploits to those of Kerry star David Clifford.

“He’s been playing for a long time, and he was just having an exceptional year, kicking two-pointers off the ground and making it look easy. It’s very disappointing for him," he remarked.

"It’s a huge loss, but at the same time, whoever comes in fills the jersey. It’s a case of going out and doing a job. There are plenty of lads only mad to take his place.”

Sunday's final also offers the prospect of a significant step towards senior football, with both clubs boasting emerging talent and the potential to make an impact at the higher level.

Sheridan believes either side would have the confidence to compete if they secured promotion, pointing to Tubberclair's performances in senior football this year as an example of what can be achieved.

“Whether it’s us or Milltown, both clubs are in a position that, if they go up, they’ve got up with a spring in their step. With that kind of quality coming through both clubs, they have the potential to compete well, without a doubt. Shandonagh have a few young lads coming out of minor, and Milltown have a bit of talent there as well," he observed.

“If we could get up, we can compete there. But you have to get up. There’s no guarantee; you just have to make it," he added.