Duffin hopes that Pomeroy are primed

By Niall Gartland

POMEROY forward Ronan Duffin recognises the importance of having a full panel to pick from as they get ready for Sunday’s Intermediate Championship quarter-final against Derrylaughan.

For the first time all season, they had a clean bill of health as they swatted aside Clogher in the first round nearly a fortnight ago, and Plunketts supporters have cause to believe a second Intermediate title in four years could be in the pipeline.

Standing in their way of a place in the semi-finals are 2024 champions Derrylaughan, who impressed in patches against Killeeshil, while Pomeroy never really let their intensity levels drop in their win over reigning Tyrone and Ulster Junior levels Clogher.

Reflecting on their season as a whole, Duffin said: “We probably hadn’t had a lot of our players available this year. I don’t want to be making excuses, but it’s nice to have the full deck out over these last few weeks. It’s a big help.

“A lot of young boys have been blooded in and you could see that the league football stood to them. It’s good to have a few subs to bring on as well.”

Pomeroy racked up an impressive tally of 2-21 in their opening day win, and Duffin says they were never going to take Clogher lightly given their recent league record against the same team.

“We’d played them three times in the last four years, won twice and drew one of them.

“It was good in a way because we came in knowing we were going to be in for a good battle, so we had full focus on the game.

“We’d seen what they did last year in Junior, and we had plenty of video of how sharp they are up front. We’re just delighted to get into the next round. I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s true.

“I’d say the focus was no different to last year, leading into playing Trillick in the quarter-final of the O’Neill Cup.

“We knew it was going to be a complete dogfight. They have championship pedigree and we know quite a few of their players. They have good forwards and good ball-carriers so we’re just glad to get the win.”