Ballinderry embark on Ulster campaign

By Michael McMullan

BALLINDERRY are mixing the feeling of being Derry champions with preparing this weekend’s Ulster Junior A semi-final against Mayobridge.

The Shamrocks celebrated their 100th year with a special function on Saturday night.

Their camogs won the Intermediate championship after narrowly losing out in the final 12 months earlier.

There were joyous scenes after their dramatic victory over Castledawson before a weekend of celebration. By the Tuesday, they were back in the groove.

“We were then back to stick work later on in the week,” outlined captain Aimee Conlan.

“We’re still with training high intensity, we’re still training with purpose and we’re still doing what we normally do.

“In comparison to last year, not used to it being this late on in the year but thankfully are.”

In the weeks since being crowned Derry champions, there has been pride within the squad, management and community.

It was typified by taking their league and championship silverware to the local schools. While it was special, there was a message to the young players within the club.

“It’s important to talk to the younger children, to tell them if you aren’t winning a game at a certain stage in it that you always can and keep working hard,” Conlan said, referencing their tight battle with Castledawson.

“It is important keep to your head up, there’s always the possibility of coming out the winning side, even when you think you’re maybe not getting there at the start or the middle of the game.

“It’s all about being able to keep going and working hard to get the right result.”

Bridge to cross

This year also marks 25 years since Ballinderry’s men began their way to Ulster and All-Ireland glory.

They did so by accounting for Mayobridge in the Ulster final and it’s the Down club who stand in Ballinderry’s way of a final spot this year.

The ‘Bridge were winners over Attical last weekend in a refixed county final after the club’s ladies’ football involvement.

Conlan feels there is a tough challenge ahead but there is also the importance of a deep focus on their own approach.

“It is about ourselves, just looking after our bodies, recovering the way we need to,” Conlan added, speaking ahead of their final week of preparations.

“We haven’t really chatted much or focused much on in Mayobridge. They’re obviously going to be a good team; they’re going to be physically strong.

“They will have excellent camogie players too because they’ve won through from their own county but we hope to match that as well.”