Cassidy shifts focus to Sigerson semi

By Niall Gartland

RONAN Cassidy has enjoyed a sustained run of games for Tyrone so far this season but it’s by no means the only show in town for the young Donaghmore footballer.

Tonight (Thursday) he will line out for Queen’s University, Belfast in their first Sigerson Cup semi-final since 2007, with the University of Limerick standing in their way of a place in the final.

Overseeing matters is Feargal Logan, who has also taken charge of Donaghmore, and three of Cassidy’s club colleagues are involved in Queen’s charge to the last four – namely Conor O’Neill, Joey Clarke and Noah Grimes.

O’Neill and Clarke are also part of the Tyrone senior intercounty panel so it’s a packed schedule for the Donaghmore trio.

“There are a few of us involved, Joey and ‘Horsey’ (O’Neill) as well and it’s a case of getting the balance right.

“We are just playing games at the minute but you have to shift your focus fast as you only have a two- or three-day turnaround between each game.

“We have the Sigerson semi-final now on Thursday and the focus we turn to that for now.

“Playing games is the main thing and it is enjoyable to be involved for both sides.”

Reflecting on last Saturday night’s three-point defeat to Derry at Celtic Park, Cassidy expressed frustration that they failed to seal the deal after a decent showing in the first half. Tyrone led by a point at the break but Derry showed the greater initiative after the interval and claimed an important victory.

“It’s just frustrating to come out on the wrong side of that result. I thought that we put in a decent shift in the first half and went in a point up.

“We are disappointed that we didn’t push on in the second period and go and win the game. We have to put it behind us now and fully focus on our next game, which is at home to Cavan in two weeks’ time.

“It was a game that was a lot more intense and more pacy than the Kildare game.

“We didn’t make as much use of the extra man than we should have done.

“We had too many silly turnovers and stuff and that only gave them fuel which led to scores.

“We know that and we are going to have to work on the things that we didn’t do right over the next few weeks before we play Cavan.”

Cassidy has operated in the half-back line for Tyrone and while it’s a novel role for someone who made his name as a promising young forward, he’s acquitted himself very well.

“I’m just happy to do any job for the team and it’s great to be involved.

“The middle eight is probably similar in what you have to do and I’m enjoying it and as I said earlier it’s all about getting experience and do what you can to help out the team.”