Clonduff bid to make the breakthrough

By Niall Gartland

CLONDUFF camogs won four Ulster Intermediate Club titles in a memorable period between 2014 and 2020, but these days their sights are firmly set on the biggest prize in provincial camogie.

They lost last year’s final against a vaunted Loughgiel side, but they certainly made them work for it, eventually losing out by 2-15 to 1-11 at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.

They’ve made it back to Ulster final day, coming through a stiff test against Swatragh last weekend, and they’ll take on Dunloy early this Saturday afternoon at Stewartstown in the showpiece final.

Managing the team is Middletown man Sylvester McConnell, and he says this team weren’t content with their former exploits at Intermediate level. At the same time, he recognises that it’s a big step to take.

“The senior final is the one they’ve been looking for. It’s always hard when you’re pushing to achieve that goal. Any slip-up along the way can take that opportunity away. That can add a bit of pressure. You have your Down Championship, then your semi-final, and then the goal, which is to win Ulster, so it’s not easy to get to this point.”

Loughgiel have ruled the roost in Antrim and Ulster in recent times, but on this occasion, it’s another Antrim team – Dunloy – who will line out on provincial final day. They recently won their first county title in 23 years, and they’ll be keen to strike while the iron is hot.

McConnell said: “There’s no doubt about it. I’d say Loughgiel won’t be away either; they’ll be back. From that point of view, whoever is coming at you is going to be strong. Sleacht Néill were there for a while as well. Whoever is coming at you is going to be a strong team as you’re playing at the very highest level.”

Lending a hand on the sideline is Clonduff legend Fionnuala Carr, who stepped behind the white line after the first couple of group games this year. Sylvester says her input is invaluable.

“Fionnuala is helping out with the management side, which is a great help. She has a great knowledge of the game and a fantastic knowledge of camogie, to the highest level you could get anywhere, not only in Down but maybe in Ireland. It’s great to have her on board.”

He also said that they were content with the manner of their 1-11 to 0-10 semi-final victory over Swatragh. They looked in trouble after 20 minutes, trailing by seven points, but they drew upon all their experience to pull through.

“Semi-finals are for winning, and it’s as simple as that. We were still happy enough. It took us a wee while to get going, but when we did, I thought we were free-flowing, and I think we probably could have won by more. There’s room for improvement, and that’s a good way to go into a final.”