Ramor bid to end 24-year wait

Cavan’s James McEnroe is a pivotal figure in the Ramor defence

A REVITALISED Ramor are in touching distance of their first senior title since 1992 as they finalise preparations for Sunday’s decider against Castlerahan.

Having tasted recent success at minor and u-21 level, the Virginia-based club have strutted their stuff at the top level this season and vanquished last year’s champions Kingscourt Stars on their way to this weekend’s decider.

Their vastly experienced boss Michael McDermott has trusted in his youthful charges and admits it’s a surprise to many that a first senior final appearance in 24 years has come so soon in their development.

The former Clare manager brought Kilmurry Ibrickane to All Ireland Senior Club Final success in 2010 and he intends to pass on his wealth of experience to Ramor.

“In every final I’ve been involved in, I’ve always said to the players that it’s just another game. If you look beyond that, you will fall. It’s very important to keep your routine, I know there’s a lot of enthusiasm around the town but the players and the club have to keep their focus on the game on hand. You have to put everything, body, soul on the line for this one.”

“It’s probably a surprise that we reached the final because it is such a young team but around April time we started winning matches in the league and the momentum created belief heading in the championship. Castlerahan have experience of playing in the county final and we have none, we’ll have to raise our game yet again.

“It’s a local derby, when you look at local derbies anything can happen. We’re going to do our level best to try and win it and if we produce a ten out of ten performance we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

The full interview is available in store today or online here.