Friday, May 19, 2017

Pat O'Brien Cup Final - Aidan McAnespies v Donegal


The first final of the young season will feature two clubs that have no love lost between them when Donegal and Aidan McAnespies meet next Saturday May 20, at 3:45.  The game has the potential to be a passionate affair.  Both teams won all of their group games and neither side will want to experience their first loss of the year. 

Donegal veteran Mark Canney is part of a
home base containing a lot of talent.
Donegal’s side looks full of talent with Louthmen, Brian Donnelly and Derek Maguire manning the midfield and half back line espectvely.  Up front the forward line includes the dynamic Lee Carr, and players capable of taking their points in Sean Hume and Sean Donnelly.  Alongside veteran players Darren Doherty, Mark Canney, and Declan MacBride Donegal will not lack the commitment, skill or passion for this one.

Aidan McAnespies are in the running for some early season silverware.
Aidan McAnespies are undergoing a rebirth of sorts.  With several new transfers, the Macs put out a strong and versatile side.  Seamie Breslin, PJ Gallagher and Jimmy Rigney have held the back line together well, but Saturday will have their work cut on the big field in the face of a very good set of Donegal forwards.  On the other side of the ball McAnespies have speed and quickness in Brian Breslin, and guile and experience in Robbie Croft.  Paul Clifford, Eoin Delmer, and Che O’Donnell have added strength to the lineup. 

One might give Donegal the slight edge in this one on what we have seen so far, but with panels still being filled out and the large field now providing the stage, there is a lot up in the air before we see who claims the first silverware of 2017.

No comments: