By Shaun Casey

FOR two teams that regularly compete in the Ulster IHC series, Castleblayney and Lisbellaw don’t share too much recent history, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know each other fairly well, says ‘Blayney star Niall Garland.

The last time they crossed paths in Ulster was at the exact same semi-final stage back in 2011. They battled it out for a spot in the decider and ‘Blayney came out on top, before going on to claim the trophy as well.

Between challenge games down through the years and meetings at county level, the players on both sides know what to expect when they lock horns on Sunday in Ballyconnell.

“The last time we met was the 2011 semi-final when we last reached the final, so an awful lot has changed for both sides. At the same time there’ll still be a good few faces from back then on both panels,” said Garland.

“In terms of competitive action, we haven’t met in the last few years. We’ve played each other in challenge matches but have been on opposite sides of the draw when it comes to the Ulster Championship.

“With them having a bit of a stronghold on the Fermanagh county team and ourselves having a big input on the county team, we know each other quite well, and we both know how each other have got on so far this year.

“They won the Armagh League and it’s a small enough province so everyone knows everyone else at this stage.

Particularly in Ulster, a lot of the teams are there regularly over the last number of years from different counties, so you do get to learn a lot about teams.

“We know that much about each other that it all comes down to who wants it more on the day and that’s just the way it’s going to be and it’s the way it usually is.”

Garland found himself in the unfamiliar position of midfield in their first-round victory over Armagh champions Middletown, but he’s happy to line out wherever manager Kevin Moloney places him.

“I’m a wee bit all over the place,” Garland continued.

“I started in midfield against Middletown and kind of drifted around.

“On different days Kevin would play different players in different positions to suit our game-plan and whatever we have planned for the opposition, so I’ll just have to see come Sunday what way we’re going to line out.

“The way things are with Castleblayney at the minute, our squad is that competitive that I’ll just take any number to be honest.

“It’s a very hard panel to get on and training since the Middletown game has been brilliant and you wouldn’t expect anything less.

“There’s a serious buzz around the camp and it’s an exciting time to be training.

“Normally it’s horrible weather at this time of the year but it’s been great and everyone is looking forward to Sunday, and we can’t wait to get going, I’m sure Lisbellaw are the same.”