By Mark McGoldrick
NEWTOWNBUTLER are just 60 minutes away from an Ulster Junior Club Championship Final, but standing between the First Fermanagh’s and a place in the provincial decider is a formidable Drumhowan side.
With Erne Gaels and Kinawley knocked out of the Ulster Football Club Championship last weekend, Newtownbutler are now Fermanagh’s sole representatives, carrying the county’s hopes in the series.
The Breffni Park showdown promises to be a major test of Newtownbutler’s credentials, with the Monaghan champions bringing plenty of provincial experience and quality to Saturday’s semi-final.
For Newtownbutler’s joint-manager Vinny Connolly, however, the occasion is about much more than simply reaching the last four.
He believes Newtownbutler’s progress represents a significant boost for the club and Fermanagh football as a whole.
“It’s very good and great for Newtownbutler and Fermanagh football,” Connolly said.
“The other teams have been knocked out and Drumhowan are there or thereabouts. They have been playing in Ulster and have that advantage over us.”
The First Fermanagh’s will be determined to make the most of their opportunity, with the benefits of a thriving underage structure beginning to show at senior level.
The emergence of exciting young talents Conor Casey and Ben Caughey, alongside the contributions of experienced players, has given Newtownbutler fresh impetus as they chase a place in the final.
Joint-manager Connolly, a stalwart of the Newtownbutler club, is under no illusions about the task facing his side against opponents who already have experience of competing at Ulster level.
Despite acknowledging the advantage Drumhowan have gained from their previous provincial outings, Connolly believes the occasion represents a big opportunity for Newtownbutler and Fermanagh.
“It’s very good and great for Newtownbutler and Fermanagh football,” Connolly said.
“The other teams have been knocked out and Drumhowan are there or thereabouts. They have been playing in Ulster and have that advantage over us.”
Connolly has been keeping tabs on the Monaghan side ahead of the meeting and he knows his side will be up against it.
“We have just seen some videos. It’s hard to go by them, but they have a lot of good footballers. They are a club that can be up and down,” said the First’s boss.
He is also aware that Drumhowan were pushed hard by Aghadrumsee earlier in the competition, with the Fermanagh side having come close to causing an upset in Roslea.
“Aghadrumsee played well against them in Roslea and could have won it. But we have them in Breffni Park, which is new to us, and it’s a big pitch,” Connolly added.
For Newtownbutler, reaching the last four of the competition is further evidence of the progress being made within the club, with Connolly pointing to the strength of their underage structures.
The club have enjoyed success at underage level in recent seasons, including minor championship honours, providing a strong foundation for the senior team.
Connolly believes the emergence of younger players, including the talented Conor Casey and Ben Caughey, has helped strengthen the squad and given the club plenty to build on.
“Our underage has been very good,” he said.
Connolly was also keen to recognise the contribution of Colm Courtney, whose involvement has made a significant difference to the club’s progress this season.
While the dream of an Ulster final place remains strong for Newtownbutler, Connolly’s keeping his eyes firmly on the prize.
“You enjoy it when you’re winning. Sometimes it’s a lonely spot when you’re getting beat, so we have to keep our focus on this game,” he added.