Scotstown’s McArdle ready for new test

By Shaun Casey

SCOTSTOWN have been regular visitors to the Ulster Championship for over ten years now but Newbridge are a side they have never come up against before, which offers a fresh challenge, says skipper Damien McArdle.

The Monaghan champions were impressive in their opening round victory over Donegal representatives Naomh Conaill and saw out a comfortable win to book their spot in the final four.

Newbridge overcame newly crowned Armagh winners Madden to set up a date with David McCague’s men and outside of their two clashes in Ulster, against the Raparee’s and fellow Orchard outfit Clann Éireann last season, McArdle know very little about the Sean O’Leary’s club.

“We know we’re going to have a real, real tough game against them and there’ll be a kick of the ball either way at the end so for us it’s just about turning up and performing,” said the man-marking corner-back.

“We’ve never played them before or anything. All we know is what we can gather from the game (against Madden) and the game they played against Clann Éireann last year, but the boys will get their work done and we’ll be well aware of what they have to offer.”

Newbridge gave an eye-catching performance in their win at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds over Madden and just a few hours after defeating Naomh Conaill, McArdle was able to seat down and view Scotstown’s next opponents.

As a defender, McArdle kept a close eye on their attacking threats and Newbridge showed they have serious potential in that area. Eight players got their names on the scoresheet while Oisin Doherty (0-5) and captain Conor McAteer (0-4) contributed 0-9 of their final tally.

“I got to see it on TG4 after our game, and they looked young and fast and athletic. In fairness, their forwards all look nimble and nippy and they’re all well fit to take their man on and they have serious running power across their team as well.”

On the Naomh Conaill victory, McArdle and his men were delighted to get over the line. “We built a bit of a cushion in the first half and then it was just about seeing the game out.

“It was pleasing, especially when you see how they had done in the Donegal Championship, they were fit to fight back but at half time we were a wee bit wary of them, so it was just about managing it and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.”

Scotstown’s season ended at the semi-final juncture last year following a hammering at the hands of Kilcoo, but the emergence of some younger talent has bolstered their squad and really added to things.

“Those four or five that came in this year have added a new lease of life to the thing,” McArdle continued. “There are a few boys that have been with us, like Nicky Sherlock, he’s been there a couple of years.

“They’re really driving the thing on too. It keeps the team on their toes, and it leaves training a lot harder and it leaves it that no one is really comfortable.”