Moynalvey may be good enough this time around

CONSIDERING the competitive nature of the JFC, getting to a final would have to rank as a major achievement for any club. Both Moynalvey and Ratoath have been there, done that in recent times. Last year Moynalvey battled their way through the undergrowth of a tough campaign to reach the final. They didn"t perform on the day losing to Clann na nGael. Now they are back with a shot at redemption. Just four years ago Ratoath won the Matthew Ginnity Cup overcoming Dunsany (1-8 to 0-6) on a great day for the club at headquarters. They managed to retain their status at intermediate level for three years before dropping back down to the junior ranks last year. Now they are also back with a real chance of making a relatively quick return to the higher grade. As so many other teams have found in the past it is all too easy to become subsumed in the 'never give an inch" world of the junior division and never be seen again. Moynalvey, who have been in the junior ranks since 2002, look to be heading into the game on the back of an impressive run of form. They didn"t make the best of starts to their campaign losing to Moylagh. Manager PJ Cummins gathered his forces and they put in a sustained run. Their win over Longwood in the semi-final brought the best out of Moynalvey. They simply had to produce the aces to subdue Longwood"s tenacious challenge. 'A good beginning is half the work' goes the old saying and Moynalvey were quick out of the blocks in the semi-final with Cathal Sheridan slotting over two points and Willie Byrne one before their opponents registered. They will be looking for a similar start on Sunday. When it mattered most in the semi-final the experience and guile of players such as Sheridan, who was near faultless from frees, Byrne, John Donoghue, Damien Dixon and Ollie Regan helped them grind out a result in extra-time. 'You would have to say the win over Longwood was our best display this year. They were two good teams and there was never going to be much in it. We just happened to get the little piece of luck you need, we worked hard, our fitness was fairly good. It was a really good game to win,' said Sheridan who marks his 20th year playing adult football. Many of the Moynalvey players know what it"s like to perform at Pairc Tailteann on final day in either hurling or football. It could be a crucial factor and they also have a contingent of useful young performers including the talented Mark O"Sullivan. Martin Mannering"s Ratoath have also displayed a mixture of character and resolve on their way to Sunday"s showdown. These qualities were demonstrated in their three-point (0-9 to 0-6) win over Dunsany in the semi-final a two weeks ago. The contribution of players such as Ger McCullagh proved crucial in giving them the edge. As they have displayed time and again Ratoath have the artillery to inflict damage with Eoin McMahon one of those who can make hay given the right ball. A big plus for Ratoath is that most of the players know what it"s like to perform at a higher grade. They have a solid defence with players such as Eoin Horan and Tony McGuane capable of putting up the barricades and shutting out opponents. They also have a effective blend of youth and experience. It should make for a close, fascinating encounter however, with the disappointment of losing last year"s final still relatively fresh in the memory Moynalvey have plenty of motivation to get it right this time around. They may well do that. Just don"t rule out the possibility of a replay?