By Niall Gartland

MARK Greaney is hoping for a Breffni double in this weekend’s All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior semi-finals.

Greaney is joint-manager of the Cavan Gaels team who host Kerry side Cromane in Saturday’s junior last-four showdown, while the following day Knockbride will take on Naomh Ában of Cork in the corresponding intermediate fixture.

Ladies teams in Cavan traditionally haven’t fared too well outside the confines of their own county, so it’s a massive opportunity for both teams.

Greaney said: “There’s been massive excitement this last week or so. We’ve been on a fantastic journey, from winning the county championship and winning Ulster, beating a strong Tyrone team (Drumragh Sarsfields) in the semi-final.

“It’s uncharted territory as it’s the first time any junior club team from Cavan has won the provincial title. Cavan have only won one Ulster Senior Ladies title, and only three or four intermediates, so it’s been a really good year. Here’s hoping there’ll be two All-Ireland final appearances for Cavan teams.”

After edging a thrilling semi-final clash against Drumragh after extra-time, Cavan Gaels made light work of Killeavan in the final with a dominant 4-12 to 0-9 victory. Greaney says it was one of those days where everything seemed to click into gear.

“Without sounding disrespectful to Killeavan, we were comfortable from the first quarter onwards. Everything went all for us. We had our game-plan and the girls stuck to it.

“We took our scores when we needed to, and we defended really well against what I’d consider a strong Killeevan attack. When things go well, you just roll with it and keep going, and that’s what we did.”

Standing in their way of a place in the final is a Cromane side who face a five-hour trip to the Breffni County. They recently secured the Munster title with a rampant 6-17 to 2-6 win over Tipperary side St Patrick’s, eight different players scoring from open play in a very one-sided contest.

“By the looks of the scoreline, they won comfortably though sometimes it’s hard to know whether the scoreline and actual match marry together. But still, 6-17 is some shooting and most of their scorers were from open play.

“I did see their county final win and they have some really strong players – Roisin and Mary Kate Smith are excellent, and their full-forward line is really dangerous.”

The game will be played at 1pm in order to facilitate Cromane getting back home at a reasonable hour, as Greaney explains.

“Before the Ulster final, both teams were contacted to see if whoever won could go for a 1pm semi-final. It allows Cromane a bit of time to travel back towards Kerry. It’s a five-hour trip, so it’s a long haul for them in fairness.”