DIVISION THREE SEMI-FINAL

Offaly v Fermanagh

Saturday, O’Connor Park, 6pm

FERMANAGH will return to Division Two at the first time of asking if they manage to carve out a victory against an admittedly impressive looking Offaly in this weekend’s Division Three semi-final.

That they’re in this position is entirely deserved given the backdrop to this year’s league campaign; they lost a number of key performers in the off-season, yet a fairly inexperienced team clinched a hugely-unexpected victory against Cavan on their first day out.

They were subsequently trounced by a rampant Derry side, but they dusted themselves down and a draw on the last day against Longford proved sufficient to qualify for the last four – a somewhat unexpected turn of events in the circumstances.

Their hero of the hour against Longford was one of their veteran stars, Sean Quigley, who returned to the fold this season.

He was tremendous throughout, and struck the late equalising point that proved so significant in the final reckoning.

The game also saw Aidan Breen get his first meaningful game-time of the year, while Ederney stalwart Declan McCusker got his first start. Ultan Kelm played a super sub role in his first appearance of the season as well, setting up Quigley’s equalising point, his ninth score of the day.

Young Darragh McGurn was influential in the middle third, but they did miss Eoin Donnelly’s presence as Longford made hay from their own kick-outs (Donnelly had been injured but was actually fit to train in the lead up to the match, so there’s a good chance he’ll be able to start against Offaly).

Offaly, who have been managed by John Maughan since 2019, seem to have made considerable strides this season and won all three of their group stage matches in Division Three South. Most impressively, they claimed a 1-17 to 1-12 victory over Munster Champions in their all-important final group stage match.

Their strength in depth has been apparent as their subs bench contributed 10 points across their three games, while Bernard Allen, Anton Sullivan and Cian Farrell were their standout performers against Tipperary. Offaly legend Niall McNamee is back as well, coming off the bench to score three points against Tipperary in what was his 100th league appearance.

If they have any obvious weaknesses, it’s in the midfield sector. That makes it especially important for Fermanagh that Eoin Donnelly and his midfield partner Brandan Horan are passed fit this weekend. The formbook does point to an Offaly victory, but Fermanagh won’t be thinking that way.

Verdict: Offaly