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Newtownbutler v Termon
Thu, 25 Oct 2018
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Newtonbutler v An Tearmainn
The 2018 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament kicks off this Saturday at 2:00 in Gardrum Park Dromore with an intriguing preliminary round fixture between Fermanagh champions Newtownbutler First Fermanagh’s and Donegal champions An Tearmainn. Newtownbutler are managed by Finbarr O’Keefe, Brendan Mc Brien, Martin Mc Guinness and Natie McManus and backboned by a group of players that went close to annexing the Ulster Og Sport title earlier this year. Goalkeeper and captain Kian O’Dowd has been impressive form this season as have midfield pairing Caolan Swift and Diarmaid King but their hopes will depend a lot on how their speedy forward line can penetrate a very strong Termon defence. The game is one which O’Keefe is looking forward to ‘Whilst we are a very young team the boys have experience of playing in tournament football and are looking forward to the challenge. In many games it has been a solid defence that has been our platform for success and this will again be vital on Saturday. Creating and conversion of our own scoring opportunities against a Donegal defence will be an interesting test but one the boys will relish. We are proud to represent Fermanagh on Saturday and look forward to a strong traveling support.’
Termon are newcomers to the competition but have been the dominating force in Donegal at U16 level this year having done a complete sweep of county titles, experiencing only one defeat throughout the season. They are managed by Trevor Alcorn who is assisted by Daire McDaid, Dan Conaghan, Ricky Gallagher and Padraig Friel and came out on top by the minimum margin in an epic Donegal final against a fancied Gweedore side to claim the clubs first ever Donegal U16 title. Attacking centre back Marty Steele and the imposing midfield partnership of Jack Alcorn and Kevin McGettigan will look to provide a platform for a highly rated Termon attack and having come through a tough Donegal championship they will be heading into Saturday’s game as slight favourites in what will be a momentus occasion for the blossoming Donegal club. Manager Alcorn is very pleased with their season so far ‘We set out this year with small achievable goals, to make training enjoyable, to develop players and to try to improve with every game. Our one major goal this year was to win a county championship for the first time in the clubs history. We are now delighted to have the opportunity to compete at the highest level at U16 in the Paul McGirr Tournament, and every game from now on is a bonus. Our motto for the year is ‘when things aren’t going our way, work harder’ and this is something our lads certainly go by’. The winners of this game will advance to a quarter final against Cavan champions Gowna.
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