Fermanagh hurling manager Joe Baldwin is hoping that his side can put themselves right in the mix for a league semi-final spot by overcoming Louth in Darver this Sunday – but he knows defeat could have them battling at the other end of Division 3A.

“It is probably our biggest game so far, so it’s make or break time,” said Baldwin. “A win puts you in with an opportunity of making the league semi-final, where a defeat could leave you in a relegation battle depending on other results. It is a very crucial game for us.”

And Baldwin is expecting a stern test of his side’s credentials against the Wee County.

“It is going to be tough. Louth hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us over the last couple of years. They are a big, strong, physical team who are very good in the air, and we need to counteract that. We need to be very good on breakdown ball and we have to win our fair share of rucks.

“Home advantage is massive in the National League in both football and hurling, and Darver is not an easy place to go. It is quite an open venue and Paul McCormack will have those boys well schooled.

“They are in the same predicament as us – they have an opportunity here to push on and get to a league semi-final, and there will be no quarter asked or given.

“So far, if you look at the results there has been one score in all our games and they have gone right down to the wire. It will be a battle royale, and we have to be ready for it as much mentally as physically.”

Fermanagh though will go into the game with confidence after beating Mayo and drawing with Roscommon in their last two games.

“We are building nicely, confidence is high, and there is strong resolve. I don’t panic along the line, as I have the utmost faith in the boys. I feel though there is a massive performance inside us and this is a big opportunity for us,” said Baldwin.

However, Fermanagh suffered a blow at the weekend when they lost Jimmy Tormey for the season with a broken collarbone.

“Jimmy was really playing well and has been very dedicated this year, so I’m very disappointed for the lad and we all wish him well.

“Also Danny [Teague] got a bad bang on the hand, and we’ll have to see how he is this week,” said Baldwin.

On the plus side though, the paperwork has been finalised for Sean McKendry to play for Fermanagh and Baldwin is looking forward to seeing the Cloughmills man in action for the county.

“He brings a steeliness to the defence. He is very tough and tenacious and has a decent record in discipline, which is something that we definitely need.

“We are looking forward to seeing him action and we’re delighted to have him on board,” he said.

 

Get a treat with our March sale - £3 for three months of digital subscription. Click here to subscribe