Kinawley prepare for Ulster quarter-final after Fermanagh intermediate success
Kinawley are preparing for an Ulster Club quarter-final meeting with Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin after winning the Fermanagh intermediate championship. Captain Sean McManus said the team had refocused after celebrating the county final win over Devenish. "That's a really positive take out of it and we're trying to refocus now for the Ulster game," he said.
Kinawley's intermediate title came after they were relegated from senior ranks the previous year. McManus said that disappointment drove the players to put in extra work. "The reality check of getting relegated probably meant that we had a bit more commitment this year, as well from the lads to try and put it right," he said.
Injuries played a part in their relegation, with key players unavailable. This season, having a full panel was seen as crucial. "Having players available was massive for us and possibly that bit of extra pre-season work stood to us," McManus said.
McManus, aged 32, noted the squad has a mix of older and younger players. Younger players such as Tiarnán McKenna, who scored 1-8 in the county final, have contributed strongly. "We have a lot of young boys come on leaps and bounds this year and can really add to the group," he said.
Kinawley face Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin with a place in the Ulster semi-final at stake. The game takes place this weekend.