Donnelly looks ahead to a big weekend for the Fermanagh footballers

By Katrina Brennan

THE mood in the Erne County is buoyant after four wins from five in the league. A win against Westmeath on Saturday afternoon would leave Fermanagh in pole position to secure promotion to Division Two.

It won’t be easy though. Westmeath are the Tailteann Cup holders and under Dessie Dolan they’ve been showing a ruthless streak in front of goal.

Fermanagh manager Kieran Donnelly is relishing what he says will be a ‘massive challenge’.

“We feel we know them well and know them well individually. We’re very aware of their strengths, like you do going in to play any opposition,” he said.

“They’re a team that had a positive year, last year, winning the Tailteann Cup in Croke Park. We know it’s a massive challenge but our players, any challenge they’ve been given this year, they’ve responded really well and I’m hoping that’s the case on Saturday.”

Fermanagh have really impressed at times this season. Their resilience and their workrate has gotten them over the line in tight encounters against Down and Antrim. The Erne men have quality in their squad and Donnelly is expecting a high-tempo match;

“Both teams are good going forward, both teams play good football, attractive football and a fast game. I expect a fast flowing game.

“We play our best football when we are at that level and that intensity. So that’s one thing that will be guaranteed, it’ll be a fast, intense game throughout the 70 minutes.”

Fermanagh are unbeaten in the league playing in Ederney, that’s a run the Fermanagh boss hopes to keep going.

“It’s been a real good hunting ground for us all year. When you’re winning in it, you get a real good feel about it and the players really enjoy it.

“We have a massive hunger about the squad and we want to maintain that because there’s nothing like winning, especially in front of your home crowd.”