Sunday’s U16 final promises to be an intriguing battle as holders Enniskillen Gaels take on Derrygonnelly Harps in the curtain raiser to the senior decider.
The Gaels will go into the game as slight favourites with this side having won the championship at U14 level but both managers agree that there is not likely to be much between the sides at the conclusion.
“It will be a tight game,” said Gaels boss Niall Jones. 
“They beat us in the league a few weeks ago although we beat them in an earlier round in the league so I can’t see there being much in it at the end.”
And this is a view also held by Harps manager Anthony Greene with the sides also set to meet in the league final.
“It is probably the best two U16 teams this year that are in the final and I think there will be very little between the sides. They will be the favourites but I think we are close to them and hopefully we will be able to get over the line on the day,” commented Greene.
Jones was in charge of the Enniskillen side that claimed the U16 title last year and five of those players who started that day are set to start again on Sunday. He feels that getting off to a good start in the game is crucial for both sides.
“You want to begin well, that’s important for either team as it gives you the momentum and that is something that is hard to stop in youth football. If a team gets away to a good start then they can be hard to reel back in.”
He also believes that the game will come down to whoever can take their chances.
“That’s the key, you have to put away any opportunities that come your way and both sides have forwards capable of doing that. There’s no doubt that Derrygonnelly are a good side but we’re hoping that the quality we have in our team will take us to the win on Sunday,” he stated.
Derrygonnelly should have the advantage of a big support on Sunday with their senior team also through to the final and Greene is urging the Harps fans come into the ground early and get behind the side.
“There is a lot of excitement in Derrygonnelly and we’ll have a large support with us. Hopefully, everybody will come in for the start of the first game and that will only add to the atmosphere and hopefully that can spur us on to the win,” he said.
Greene knows though that his side are going to have to be at their best to come through.
“Enniskillen, as usual, have a very strong side. They have a lot of pace and power, especially through the middle so we know we will have to play well. Both sides would know each other really well at this stage and both would know who the others dangermen are. Certainly, they have a free scoring forward line and we will have to be on top form to keep them quiet but we have plenty of good players too.”
Defensively, Enniskillen will look to the likes of Odhran Agnew, Jack O’Hare and Ethan Beresford to keep tabs on Derrygonnelly’s main attacking threats of Gavin McGovern, Rian McGovern, Darragh McGrath and Micheal Glynn while the battle between Brandon Horan and Jack Love could be crucial in the middle of the park.
At the other end of the pitch the Gaels will be hoping that Conor Love, Callum Jones and Fergal Quinn are in top form and if they are then Derrygonnelly are going to need Debhan McGovern, Lee Greene and Ronan McHugh to be at their best.
These two sides are also through to the league final in this grade and Sunday’s contest has the look of a close game. It may be a cliche, but the outcome will come down to which side performs on the day.