By Alan Rodgers

ANOTHER fine victory against the odds is being targeted by a Coalisland team whose impeccable O’Neill Cup credentials are certain to make them very formidable opponents as they aim to reach the final again.

Twice they were being written off before staging dramatic revivals to emerge victorious. Edendork fell first against the unwavering spirit of the team captained by Tyrone All-Ireland winning skipper, Padraig Hampsey. Then on Sunday they once again looked down and out when trailing by 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time, before battling back to defeat Carrickmore.

It means that the boys in blue will be in bouyant mood for their meeting against Errigal Ciaran in this Sunday’s semi-final at Pomeroy.

One of their unsung heroes is goalkeeper, Fintan Coney. His has exemplified the sheer exuberence of this Fianna team with a whole series of fine saves and vital interceptions.

He sees this semi-final clash against Errigal as a great chance. Coalisland’s opponents might have a whole selection of top forwards to call upon, but that’s not going to overawe a Fianna side which is one of the most experienced and steady teams around.

“I suppose we’re very lucky to be in the semi-final because in the first game against Edendork we were dead and buried. So, now our name is in the hat and we’re just happy to be involved.

“I wasn’t in goals the last time Coalisland won the title. Maybe people around the county are saying that we’re too old and done, but that’s not true. There’s so many young players coming through and they’re coming on and making a big impact, the likes of Niall Devlin and Ruairi Campbell especially.

“There’s a lot of leaders in this team as well. Stephen McNally, Niall Kerr, Paudie Hampsey and Michael McKernan. The fact that we have those players to call upon is great. The semi-final is going to be another big day out for us. We’re lucky and thankful to be there and it’s a case of making the most of the chance now.

“Errigal Ciaran are a good team and we’ll do our homework on them just as I’d say they’ll be looking at us. Hopefully, we can come out on top, but we’ll not be looking past them.”

They will also gain inspiration from the manner of their victories to date against the St Malachy’s and St Colmcille’s, as Coney explains.

“It was an unbelievable feeling for us to be in the county semi-final. The way we won against Carrickmore last Sunday is the reason why we play football,” he said.

“The way we came back in the second half says it all about this team. I suppose that’s what we’re all about – we’re a second half team to some extent and came out and never said die.”