Devenish v Aghadrumsee

Sunday August 30

Brewster Park, 1.30pm

It will be unfamiliar territory for Devenish on Sunday when they compete in the Intermediate Championship after their long stay in the senior came to an end with relegation last season.

And joint manager Sid Mulrone knows that they face a stern test against an Aghadrumsee side who have enjoyed a good start to the season in Division Two.

“We will be expecting a terrific challenge from them, they are going well in Division Two and they have been mid to top of the table in Division Two this least two or three years which shows you how consistent they are.

“They have some very, very good players, Eddie Courtney and Thomas O’Hara I would know from underage level and Fergal Sherry is still playing for them. We’ll not be taking them lightly, it is championship and championship is all about on the day,” said Mulrone.

The Garrison men’s cause has not been helped by bad injuries to Joe O’Brien and Tom Treacy but Mulrone says that their loss opens the door for others to come in.

“Obviously the knocks we got this last couple of weeks haven’t helped preparations but some people’s bad luck is another person’s opportunity and we’ll be as ready as we can be,” he added.

Aghadrumsee manager Pat Cadden says that Devenish will be favourites but that his side are looking forward to the challenge.

“On paper, Devenish is still a formidable team. It is the first time that I can remember them not playing senior championship and they are going to be looking for a quick return if possible. At the end of the day they will be firm favourites but we are looking forward to it,” he said.

Aghadrumsee have performed well during the opening five league games but Cadden says that will count for nothing on Sunday.

“We’ve been going well and the boys have been buying into the whole thing and we’ve done well in the league but form goes out the window come championship.

“In the year that’s in it, league football is what it is and everybody is going to be throwing their eggs in the one basket for championship as you haven’t really got anything to play for in the league.

“I think it will come down to the basics. Whoever does the basics right and takes their scoring chances will win,” said Cadden.